Ma Huang

Ma huang is a popular herb that has been used by the Chinese people for well over 5,000 years. The ancient Chinese people most often used the herb for medicinal purposes. They used it as a nasal decongestant and found it to be an effective treatment for asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Ma huang is a cone-bearing shrub that is indigenous to China. However, the plant has been found in other regions of the world, including North America. Ma huang plants tend to grow best in warm, dry climates and can reach heights up to 20 inches tall.

Four years after being planted, the stems of the ma huang plant are harvested. The stems are the portion of the plant that contains the alkaloids. The alkaloids are the substances that have all the beneficial properties.

Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine

The two most widely used alkaloids of ma huang are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Ephedrine stimulates the nervous system and thus can reduce feelings of fatigue as well as alleviate feelings of depression. It has also been shown to be helpful in suppressing a person's appetite and in increasing one's metabolic rate.

Psuedoephedrine, on the other hand, is better suited for bronchial dilation. As a result, it is often included in medications that are used to treat allergies, asthma, and hay fever. In fact, psueoephedrine is a key ingredient in several over-the-counter cold and flu remedies.