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| Note that Ma huang is a controversial herb implicated in some sudden deaths, such as heart attacks in young people. Most of these cases involve herbal ''speed'' products, stimulants promoted as a natural way to get high. Not all herbs are safe in any quantity, as these cases demonstrate. Always use common sense when you use herbs: study their uses and side effects with care. |
| In response to concerns about ephedra's safety raised by the FDA, the American Herbal Products Association and National Nutritional Foods Association have endorsed warning labels for over-the-counter products that contain Ma huang, stating that users should seek advice from a health care professional if they are pregnant or nursing, have high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes or prostate enlargement or take prescription drugs such as MAO inhibitors. The label recommends reducing or discontinuing use if nervousness, tremor, sleeplessness, loss of appetite or nausea occur. This herb should be kept out of the reach of children and is not recommended for children under 13. |
| Ephedrine stimulants are easily abused. Tolerance to ephedra's stimulant effect builds up quickly with continued use so that larger doses are needed to obtain the same effect and its overuse may weaken the adrenal glands. If you are taking Ma huang, cut down on your consumption of coffee, black or green tea and colas because caffeine taken at the same time will increase nervousness, insomnia, blood pressure and pulse rate. |
| You will find Ma huang in nearly every herbal hay fever preparation because of its decongestant, antihistamine properties. Capsules, tablets, teas and tinctures combine Ma huang with other herbs, and Ma huang is sold separately as a tea or tincture. One-half to one dropperful of Ma huang tincture produces a strong stimulant effect in most people, lasting for two to four hours. |
| Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis). |
| The root and leaf of this demulcent, soothing, anti-inflammatory, emollient |
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