Ephedra
Useful properties and uses of horsetail ephedra
Description of ephedra
Ephedra, a perennial evergreen, is a shrub. Its branches are multiple, green and smooth. Stems are straight, with a stiff surface. The plant blooms with small flowers collected in small spikelets. This period begins in May or June. The habitats of ephedra are the Caucasus, Western Siberia and the southern regions of the European part of Russia. The plant loves semi-desert plains and wastelands, areas with moderate moisture soil.
Useful properties of ephedra
This wonderful plant has been known for a long time, it was used by oriental healers, it was gradually recognized all over the world for several millennia. Today, young shoots of wild-growing shrubs are collected for the preparation of medicines. Many birds feed on cones.
In Asia, ash stems are found in chewing tobacco. The whole plant is saturated with alkaloids, especially in young shoots. Most of these substances contain ephedrine. Also revealed the presence of ascorbic acid and tannins. Pyrocatechol and flobafen are present.
Use of ephedra
Ephedra is perhaps the only herbal source of ephedrine, a medicinal substance that can stimulate the respiratory center, relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi. Due to its special properties, ephedra stimulates the central nervous system and increases blood pressure. Indications for use - infection with microorganisms, various injuries, intoxication, postoperative inflammation, blood loss.
As an antagonist, ephedra is used for poisoning with drugs of narcotic properties. Its use is useful for the prevention of lung diseases and allergic manifestations. The stimulating properties and the ability to excite the nervous system make it possible to choose ephedra for the treatment of enuresis. In folk medicine, ephedra is indicated for rheumatism, diseases of the digestive tract, gout, urticaria, hypotension, with nosebleeds and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Ephedra decoction: boil 8-10 g of chopped herbs over low heat in 600 ml of water until the liquid becomes 1/2 of the original volume. Take the product 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
Infusion of ephedra: 2 g of raw materials must be insisted in 1 glass of boiled water, the resulting medicine is the daily rate.
Recipe for ephedra tea: 1 teaspoon of crushed raw materials is brewed in two glasses of boiling water, infused for 10-15 minutes and drunk 1/2 cup 2-3 times a day for colds, bronchitis, asthmatic phenomena and low blood pressure.
Ephedra extract
The extract from the plant is obtained by evaporating the decoction or infusion to half the original amount of liquid. The concentrated extract, which has healing properties, suppresses appetite and promotes fat burning, therefore it is used in the treatment of obesity.
Ephedra horsetail
This strongly branching shrub grows in Central Asia, in the mountains of the Eastern Tien Shan, in China, reaches Altai and Sayan, Dagestan and Azerbaijan. Green twigs used in folk medicine can be cut all year round, best of all in winter, when the plant has the highest concentration of nutrients, in particular alkaloids. Ephedra is prescribed as a hemostatic agent, it helps well with nosebleeds. The vasoconstrictor properties of ephedra are used for rhinitis, pharyngitis.
Ephedra two-lined
Ephedra bicolor is found in the European part of Russia, grows in the Caucasus, in the west of Siberia, in the forest-steppe regions of southern Ukraine, in the steppe expanses of the Crimea. This dioecious plant is a shrub, bright green, with a narrow furrowed appearance and slightly rough stem and branches. The leaves are very small, opposite. Flowers are collected in ears. Fruits are fleshy, round, cone-shaped red berries.
Ephedra decoction: 1 tablespoon of the herb should be boiled for 5 minutes in 400 ml of water. With dermatoses, the resulting product is used to treat the skin, this procedure relieves itching.
Contraindications to the use of ephedra
Contraindications to use are hypertension, arteriosclerosis, increased nervousness, insomnia, convulsive spasms. Ephedra preparations should be taken during the day, they are not recommended in the evening. The disadvantage of this remedy is an increase in blood sugar. Ephedra is a toxic plant, the remedies made from it are distinguished by a strong effect, therefore, they are applicable only after consulting a doctor.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
