What is ma huang (ephedra)?
Because ma huang (ephedra) has been reported to cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats, and sudden death, the FDA has recommended that consumers not take ma huang. The use of ma huang in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Ma huang is also known as sea ephedrine, ephedra, ephedra alkaloids, sea grape, yellow horse, yellow astringent, joint fir, squaw tea, Mormon tea, popotillo, and teamster’s tea. Ma huang has been used as a stimulant and for weight loss and appetite suppression. Ma huang has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity.
