Ma Huang, or Ephedra Stem, is an unfairly misunderstood herb. It was popular back in the 80s as a sport-enhancement as well as weight-loss supplement. However, after reported cases of death and other health problems, the supplement was then banned eventually by the FDA in 2006. Unfortunately, there was not much talk about the real reason behind its dangerous effects: improper usage. Just like any other herbs or prescription drugs; improper usage will lead to unfavorable side effects. Here are the real functions of Ma Huang and its indications as well as contraindications. I will also attempt to explain in Western terms for better understanding.
Functions:
1. Dispersing wind cold by diaphoresis to release the exterior. – This means Ma Huang will help release any environmental pathogen, especially that of cold characteristic, by sweating. This is great for a quick defense as well as ridding of a cold illness.
2. Promoting the flow of lung Qi and controlling wheezing. – This means when one has a weakness in his or her lungs, any foreign as well as internal pathogen and waste, will have a difficult time to be expectorated. Ma Huang will help open up the lungs, promoting its breathing function, and release pathogen, and waste such as phlegm and mucus. When lungs are opened, air will be able to flow more efficiently and fully, thus helping wheezing symptoms.
3. Promoting the urine to reduce edema. – Who would have thought that Ephedra is also used to reduce edema? One of the first noticed effects by people who try to lose weight is the loss of water-weight. Excess of weight in Chinese Medicine is considered as having more “dampness,” roughly translated as having more water retention. Ma Huang is also used for reducing those with acute edema as well, such as sudden bloated/puffy face, or upper body due to attack of external wind-cold pathogen.
With those main functions indicated above for Ma Huang, the herb is often clinically prescribed for indications such as sudden cold syndrome, cough and asthma, and edema. Similarly in Western pharmacological research, Ma Huang has an antiviral effect, diaphoretic effect, diuretic effect, and nervous system effect.
Misunderstanding
Here is where Ma Huang, or Ephedra, is being misunderstood: Its contraindications. There is no perfect herb that is suitable for everyone, because we are all different with different constitution and current health status. Ma Huang is not for those who have high blood pressure (hypertension), spontaneous sweating, and night sweat.
Why not for those? Ma Huang is considered a hot herb in Chinese Medicine, and it promotes sweating. Those who have high blood pressure are to be cautious when taking Ma Huang. Generally speaking, when we sweat, our heart beats faster. If we were to use an herb to promote sweating, those who already have cardiovascular problems will further experience more blood pressure problems.
Spontaneous sweating in Chinese Medicine, does not mean the person has a heat problem, but rather a weakness condition. His or her defensive qi (or immunity) is too weak to constrict the pores of the skin, thus unable to keep fluid inside. Using an herb that promote sweating will further cause more fluid loss, leading to dehydration and even further weakness.
Night sweating in Chinese Medicine indicates a Yin deficiency. Yin deficiency is a result of those who has a chronic over-heat problem, self-overstraining, overindulgence, and dietary irregularity. The same goes for the elderly, and meno-pause women, when the Yin essence is slowly worn out. Those who have Yin deficiency will exhibit and experience signs of heat, such as hot palms, chest, soles, night sweating, and irritability. Ma Huang is a hot herb. Using it for the person who already has a heat problems will simply add fuel to fire, leading to even more loss of Yin.
Ma Huang is typically prescribed for only three days or less. It is not meant as a daily herbal supplement for weight loss. Before the ban, Ma Huang was being stated as safe by the FDA itself up to 30 grams a day in pill form. Interestingly, Chinese medicinal use is only 3-9 grams, and it must be decocted (cooked in liquid).
From this improper use of the herb by the mass public, no wonder Ma Huang, or Ephedra, is still being misunderstood and feared by patients in Chinese herbal clinics. All herbs have side effects, indications, and contraindications. Ma Huang is legal to be used by licensed Chinese herbalists as long as the prescription is not for long-term weight loss. Interestingly, in Chinese Medicine, Ma Huang was never meant to be used mainly for weight loss either. With the proper diagnosis, Ma Huang can prove to be one of the most effective herbs, for the proper conditions, of course.
