BT-074 · Ephedraceae

Ephedra

Ephedra sinica, E. major ve diğerleri

Evidence: ClinicalHigh riskRestricted in Türkiye

Ephedrine was purified from ma huang in 1885 by the Japanese chemist Nagai Nagayoshi; it is still found in cold medicines.

Other names: Ma huang, joint pine
Part used: Green stems
Region: Asia and Siberia
Anatolia and the Mediterranean
Use: Healing, Ritual and shamanic, Poisonous

Photo: Le.Loup.Gris · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

In short

What is Ephedra?

Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) is a plant of the Ephedraceae family. Traditions that use it: Asia and Siberia, Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Part used: green stems.

What is Ephedra used for?

Traditional use: Used in Chinese medicine as ma huang for at least 2,000 years for asthma, coughs and colds. Scientific evidence: clinical. Contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which open the airways and stimulate the heart.

Is Ephedra safe?

Safety label: high risk. Can raise blood pressure and heart rate dangerously; strokes, heart attacks and deaths have been reported. Legal status: Restricted in Türkiye.

Traditional use

Asia

Used in Chinese medicine as ma huang for at least 2,000 years for asthma, coughs and colds.

Central Asia

It is debated whether haoma, the sacred drink of the Zoroastrians, and the soma of the Indian Vedas were ephedra.

In nature

Where it grows: Dry steppes of Central Asia and China; a few species also grow on dry, rocky slopes in Türkiye.
Harvest season: Stems are collected in autumn.
Local names: efedra, oman çayı, deniz üzümü, kuzu sıçanı

Mix-up risk

Can be mistaken for horsetail (Equisetum); ephedra stems have fewer joints and bear red berries.

Preparation

The stems are boiled; today only the pharmaceutical industry uses it.

What science says

Contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which open the airways and stimulate the heart. Ephedra weight-loss products were banned in the US in 2004 because of serious heart problems.

Safety

High risk

Can raise blood pressure and heart rate dangerously; strokes, heart attacks and deaths have been reported.

Drug interactions

Medicine or substance	Why it matters
Caffeine and other stimulants	Multiplies the risk of heart attack and stroke.
MAO inhibitors and antidepressants	Risk of hypertensive crisis.
Blood pressure medicines	Raises blood pressure and counteracts the drug.
Asthma and cold medicines (pseudoephedrine)	Contain the same substance; doses add up.

This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Ephedra.

Legal status

Restricted in Türkiye

Ephedrine is controlled under drug and precursor regulations.

Laws differ by country; check local rules before travelling with or buying any plant product.

Culture bridge

Leaf and stem against fatigue. Asia’s ephedra and the Andes’ coca were used against fatigue and altitude for their stimulant alkaloids; modern drugs came from both. Read the comparison →