Ephedra root (Mahuanggen)
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Ephedrae
Botanical Name: 1. Ephedra sinica stapf; 2. Ephedra equisetina Bge.; 3. Ephedra intermedia schrenk et C. A. Mey.
Common Name: Ephedra root
Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The roots are dug in the period of the Beginning of Autumn (thirteenth solar term). After the fibrous roots have been removed, the roots are cleaned and cut into pieces.
Properties & Taste: Sweet and neutral.
Meridian: Lung
Functions: To stop sweating
Indications & Combinations:
1. Spontaneous sweating. Ephedra root (Mahuanggen) is used with Astragalus root (Huangqi) and Chinese angelica root (Danggui).
2. Night sweating. Ephedra root (Mahuanggen)
is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) and Oyster shell (Muli).
Dosage: 3-10 g
Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with exterior syndromes.