Evidence supporting the use of: Ma Huang
For the health condition: Influenza

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries to manage symptoms associated with respiratory illnesses, including influenza. In TCM, Ma Huang is classified as a warming herb that disperses cold, opens the surface (induces sweating), and relieves wheezing by facilitating the flow of lung qi. It is a key ingredient in classic formulas such as Ma Huang Tang, traditionally prescribed for "wind-cold" invasions, which often present with fever, chills, absence of sweating, and body aches—symptoms that overlap with those of influenza.

Scientifically, the active compound in Ma Huang, ephedrine, is a sympathomimetic amine that can dilate bronchial passages and has stimulating effects. This pharmacological property supports its use in relieving respiratory symptoms such as bronchospasm and congestion. However, there is limited direct clinical evidence supporting Ma Huang’s efficacy in treating influenza specifically. Most modern studies have focused on its use for asthma or nasal congestion rather than as an antiviral or as a primary treatment for influenza. Additionally, safety concerns due to cardiovascular and central nervous system side effects have led to regulatory restrictions in several countries.

In summary, Ma Huang’s use in influenza is rooted in traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation, and while some components may alleviate certain symptoms, there is a lack of high-quality clinical evidence demonstrating effectiveness against influenza itself.

More about Ma Huang
More about Influenza

Other ingredients used for Influenza

green chiretta
astragalus
myrobalan
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black garlic
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
camu camu
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
turmeric
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ginger
glehnia root
goldenseal
gooseberry
greek mountain tea
green tea
honeysuckle
L-cysteine
lactobacillus casei
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
monolaurin
nettle
quercetin
reishi mushroom
selenium
spirulina
sweet wormwood
vitamin C
vitamin D
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
boneset
tangerine
alpinia galangal
myrrh
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
flowering quince
ganoderma
anemarrhena asphodeloides
eucalyptus
Abies spectabilis
Algae
Avens
Agarikon Mushroom
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Astragaloside
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Adenophora
Alliin
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Balsam
Basidiomycota
Borage
Bupleurum
Baicalin
Black Hellebore
Balloon Flower
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Coriolus mushroom
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Carvacrol
Cineole
Centipeda
Cistus
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Currant
Chondrus
Ephedra
European Elder
Elk antler
Echinacea
Elder
Euphorbia
Embelia
Fat liver oil
Flavanones
Frankincense
Flavones
Glehnia littoralis
Guaco
Gallesia
Glycyrrhizin
Hyperoside
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Immunoglobulin G
iridoids
Lycium
Ledebouriella
Lomatium
Lichen
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Little ironweed
Liverwort
Meadow sage
Microtea debilis
Neoandrographolides
Onosma bracteatum
Osthole
Premna
Platycodon
Pelargonium
Pentatropis capensis
Polygonatum
Polygonum
Ravinsara
Sweet Annie
Salvia
Sambucus nigra
Sulfated polysaccharide
Shikimic Acid
Sweet Bay
Sundew
Tremella
Umckaloabo
Visnea Mocanera
Vasicine
Xanthophyll
Zingerone

Products containing Ma Huang

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.