Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Ephedra
Ephedra’s active constituents (ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and norpseudoephedrine) are strong central nervous system stimulants, more powerful than caffeine but less potent than amphetamine. Ephedrine itself opens the bronchial passages, thus acting as a bronchodilator, stimulates the heart, and increases blood pressure, metabolic rate, and perspiration and urine production It also reduces the secretion of both saliva and stomach acids.
Chinese ephedra contains significant amounts of ephedrine. The American species is richer in norpseudoephedrine.
Some herb marketers have mistakenly called American ephedra rna huang, and the Chinese herb “Mormon tea” Make sure any ephedra you purchase is identified by species. E. sinica has the greatest decongestant/bronchodilator potential. The other species of ephedra are generally less potent in this regard.
Decongestant - From the late 1920s through the: 940s, ephedrine was used in cold, asthma, and hay fever products as a decongestant and bronchodilator. Ephedrlnewasgenerally effective and reasonably safe, but it was also known to cause potentially hazardous side effects, including increased blood pressure and rapid heartbeat (palpitations). It was eventually replaced with a close chemical substitute, pseudoephedrine, which scientists consider equally effective but less problematic. Pseudoephedrine is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter cold and allergy products, notably Sudafed.
Weight Loss - As a central nervous system stimulant, the ephedrine in ma huang increases basal metabolic rate (BMR), meaning it spurs the body to burn calories faster. Laboratory animals given ephedrine show BMR increases, and as a result, significant weight loss, according to a study in the American lournal of Clinical Nutrition.
Caffeine (in coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, mate, and cola drinks) enhances ephedra’s weight-loss-promoting effect. Both caffeine and ephedrine, however, are powerful stimulants. Taken at the same time, they cause insomnia, nervousness, irritability, and “speediness.”
Weight - loss authorities say the key to permanent weight control is a low-fat, high-fiber diet and regular aerobic exercise.
Smoking Cessation - One study shows ephedrine helps smokers quit by decreasing cigarette cravings. If you’re attempting to quit, try ephedra and see if it works for you.
Women’s Health - Ephedrine causes uterine contractions in laboratory animals. Pregnant women should not use it. Other women may try it to initiate menstruation.
Myth - In the Old West, American ephedra also developed a reputation as a cure for syphilis and gonorrhea. It was served at many brothels, hence the name whorehouse tea and the Latin name for one species, E. Antisyphilitica.
It turns out that ephedra has no effect whatsoever on syphilis or gonorrhea. Anyone who develops a genital sore or discharge should consult a physician.
Rx for Ephedra
Use a decoction or tincture to take advantage of ephedra’s potent Healing benefits as a decongestant or weight-loss aid, to help quit smoking, or to promote menstruation. You’ll find the taste pleasantly piney.
For a decoction, mix 1 teaspoon of dried ma huang per cup of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
In a tincture, take ¼ to I teaspoon up to three times a day.
When using commercial preparations, follow package directions.
Ephedra should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.