The Myth of (Ma Huang)
By Moses Lin, L.Ac., Ph.D.
This stimulant herb is one of the top selling dietary supplements today. Ephedra (Ephedra sinica), also known as Ma Huang by the Chinese herbology, comes from the principal active ingredient, ephedrine. Many studies have confirmed and demonstrated the amazing results in decreasing body weight and body fat by using Ma Huang through appetite suppression and thermogenesis, or production of heat in the body. In addition, ephedrine has been shown to increase endurance in exercise in athletes. However, Ma Huang was never meant to be used in these ways. Here is why:
1. Ma Huang should be a part of comprehensive herbal recipe, not solo, in fact, Ma Huang is never used alone
2. Small dosage of Ma Huang won’t let you lose weight, therefore, achieving the purpose of weight loss requires 10 to 20 times greater than recommended dosage used clinically, which is way out of scope of safety range
3. Most herbalists prescribe Ma Huang in raw herbal format, not synthetic ephedrine. Synthetic ephedrine is much more powerful and usually has untamed side effects
4. Clinically, Ma Huang is used for treating respiratory problem, such as asthma or common cold, it relaxes the lung while gently constricts blood vessels (elevating blood pressure); large amounts of Ma Huang (usually synthetic ephedrine) can cause palpitation and even death.
Summary
Use Ma Huang as prescribed by the herbalist, and always use the full complex herb and not the single active ingredient epinedrine. Again, don’t use Ma Huang to lose weight, there are many better and safer alternatives like comprehensive acupuncture therapy.
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