What are the functions and effects of ephedra?

The efficacy and effects of ephedra can be demonstrated in the treatment of exogenous wind-cold, because exogenous wind-cold can easily cause problems such as headache, fever or nasal congestion. If used correctly, it can enhance the effect of sweating and detoxification.

1. It is used for external wind-cold, aversion to cold and fever, headache and body pain, nasal congestion, no sweating, floating and tight pulse and other superficial symptoms. This product can promote lung qi, open the pores, dispel wind and cold, and induce sweating to relieve exterior symptoms. It is often used together with cinnamon twig to enhance the diaphoretic and antipyretic effects, such as Mahuang Decoction.

2. Used for wheezing and coughing caused by wind-cold and stagnation of lung qi. It can open up the lung qi, dissipate wind and cold and relieve asthma. When used with almonds and licorice, it is called Sanao Decoction, which can enhance the anti-asthmatic effect. If there is also cold fluid in the body, it can be used with asarum, dried ginger, pinellia, etc. to warm the cold fluid and relieve asthma and cough, such as Xiaoqinglong Decoction. If the asthma and cough are caused by heat evil blocking the lungs, it can be used with gypsum, almonds, licorice, etc. to clear the lungs and relieve asthma, which is called Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction.

3. It is used for edema with external symptoms. It is an important medicine for clearing the lungs and promoting diuresis. This product can induce sweating and promote diuresis, which helps to dissipate edema. It is often used together with ginger, Atractylodes macrocephala, etc., such as Yuebi Jiashu Decoction.

4. Taking advantage of the effect of ephedra in warming and dispersing cold evil, it can be used in combination with other corresponding medicines to treat rheumatic pain, yin carbuncle, phlegm nodule and other symptoms.