What is Ephedrine, Ephedra and Ma Huang?

Species of Ephedra have traditionally been used by indigenous people for a variety of medicinal purposes, and are a likely candidate for the Soma plant of Indo-Iranian religion. Also known as ma huang, it was used in traditional Chinese medicine up to 5,000 years ago[citation needed], probably for the treatment of asthma and hay fever. In the late 1900s, it was used as a stimulant and a dieting aid. Due to the risk of adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, Western medical professionals recommend against the consumption of any ephedra.[