Single Herbs

Category	Jie Biao Yao 解表藥
Sub Category	Xin Wen Jie Biao 辛溫解表
Name	Ma Huang 麻黃 Ephedra stem
Grown	South of Yantze River in China
Source	The dried whole leaf of Schizonepta tenuifolia(BENTH.)BRIQ. and its family.
Ingredients	d-Menthone, dl-Menthone, ?-Lemonone, ?-pinene, ?-Humulene.
Pharma Effect	1) The extract has a diaphoretic effect in rabbits. The injection of 2.0% solution improves gall juice secretion. It also reduces the urea nitrogen in blood serum. 2) Ephedrine helps free serotonin from thrombocyte. It also raises blood pressure.
Properties	Acrid, slightly bitter, warm.
Channels	Lung, bladder
Function	Induces sweat, disperses cold, spreads lung qi, calms wheezing, promotes water and reduces edema.
Clinic Usage	For wind-cold influenza, common cold, distended chest, wheezing, edema and bronchial asthma. Toast the herb with honey moistens lungs and alleviates coughing.
Cautions	This herb induces sweat effeciently. It is contraindicated in cases of deficient exterior, spontaneous sweats, deficient yin, night sweats, and wheezing due to qi restraint in kidney.
Dosage	2~9g
Storage	Store in a dry, well ventilated place. Avoid dampness.