EPHEDRA

Ephedra sinica: Gnetaceae

PLANET: Mars

ELEMENT: Fire

TASTE: pungent, bitter	VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: heating	DOSHAS: V-P+K-

MERIDIANS: lung, bladder

ACTIONS: bronchodilator (opens airways) antispasmodic, expectorant, sympathomimetic (it stimulates the ‘flight or fight" response, so increases pulse and blood pressure, shunts blood to the muscles and skin, stimulates sweating, increases blood sugar, constricts pupils), CNS and cardiac stimulant, anodyne, diuretic, can cleanse the lymphatics due to its stimulating effect on the periferal circulation.

INDICATIONS: asthma, bronchitis, allergies, nasal congestion, arthritis, dropsy

PRECAUTIONS: A strong stimulant. Should not be used by those with hypertension, angina, or palpitations. Contraindicated in yin deficient conditions. Can overstimulate the nerves or the adrenals. Contraindicated in pregnancy.

CONSTITUENTS: l-ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norepinephrine, N-methylephedrine, benzylmethylamine.

PREPARATION AND USE:
-infusion
-powdered in tablets
-in general, I would suggest use of ephedra only with supervision of a professional herbalist
-synthetic ephedrines and pseudoephedrines are the major constituents of decongestants, allergy medicines, etc.

USE IN MAGIC: NOT LISTED by Cunningham or Beyerl. I think it could be used successfully in work for courage and motivation.

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-Increases the body's ability to take a deep breath, thus greater life force.
-A cleansing, clearing breath will clear the mind and allow fresh thoughts.

"I may weaken myself by forgetting that I am God/dess, but She never forsakes me."