Mu huang, also known as ephedra, has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to treat asthma, bronchitis, coughs and urinary problems -- typically in low doses and in combination with other herbs. Its stimulant properties made it a popular ingredient in over-the-counter weight loss and energy boosting-products, which are highly unregulated. Because of a large number of reports indicating adverse reactions, including death, the Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of supplements that contain this herb. You can still find it in traditional Chinese medicine formulas and teas. Using this herb carries many serious risks and you should only use it under the close supervision of an appropriate health-care provider who can suggest an appropriate dosage and offer guidance on other aspects of safe usage.
Suggested Dosages
Dosage guidelines are based on the amount of ephedrine -- the primary active component of ma huang -- the supplement contains. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports you should not take more than 25 mg at once, and a daily dosage should not exceed 100 mg. Drugs.com, a site that compiles information from various medical databases, notes adverse reactions have been reported when using 32 mg or more daily. An examination of various products found that the dosage listed on the supplement did not reflect the actual amount of ephedrine present, which was usually higher.
Danger of Heart Attack and Stroke
The use of ma huang has been linked to heart attacks and strokes, with some being fatal. It can increase blood pressure, promote abnormal heart rhythms, and affect general blood flow. If you suffer from any sort of heart condition or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart attack and stroke, do not use ephedra.
Other Contraindicated Uses
The use of ma huang has been contraindicated in the presence of a variety of health problems. In addition to avoiding the use of ma huang if you have risk factors for heart attack and stroke, you should also refrain from using this herb if you suffer from depression, anxiety, diabetes, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, urinary problems, liver disease, seizure disorders, psychiatric disorders, diseases that affect the nervous system and thyroid problems as it could potentially worsen these conditions. Avoid it if you are pregnant or nursing.
The UPMC notes that traditional Chinese medicine called for the use of ma huang only in certain circumstances in generally healthy people for a short amount of time. Modern day use as a weight loss and energy aid for long times by people who are more likely to be unhealthy might account for the pronounced negative effects seen with the use of this supplement.
Interactions
Do not use ma huang if you take MAOIs or tricyclics, classes of drugs used to treat symptoms of depression. Using this supplement along with caffeine or drugs with stimulant properties could increase stimulant effects. It could also negatively interact with blood-thinning drugs, asthma medications, blood pressure medications and narcotic pain medications.
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