Ma Huang Gen
Ephedra sinica Stapf
☯ TCM Properties
Consolidates the Exterior and Stops Sweating; Astringes the Lungs and secures the surface
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Ephedra sinica is a low-growing evergreen shrub in the Ephedraceae family, native to arid regions of northern China, Mongolia, and adjacent Russia. It typically reaches 20-40 cm tall, forming dense, mat-like clumps from a woody, branching rootstock. The aerial parts consist of slender, jointed, green, photosynthetic stems with reduced, scale-like opposite leaves at the nodes. The plant is dioecious, producing small cones rather than true flowers; female plants bear fleshy red seed cones in summer. While the aerial stem (Ma Huang) is the famous TCM diaphoretic and stimulant, the root and rhizome (Ma Huang Gen) are harvested separately and are pharmacologically distinct, acting in the opposite direction to inhibit sweating. The root contains macrocyclic spermine alkaloids and ephedroxanes rather than the ephedrine of the stem.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ma Huang Gen (ephedra root) is used in Chinese medicine specifically to stop excessive sweating — a function quite distinct from the aerial parts of the same plant, which promote sweating. It is indicated for both spontaneous daytime sweating (a sign of Qi deficiency) and night sweats (associated with Yin deficiency), and appears in many classical astringent formulas designed to consolidate the Exterior and prevent fluid loss.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.