Ephedra

Ephedra sinica

Regulated or restricted

Ma huang — the desert shrub behind ephedrine. A regulated stimulant, not a kitchen tea.

Ma huang. Dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids are banned in the US. The raw herb is a traditional Chinese medicine handled by licensed practitioners. Concentrated extracts and 'fat-burner' teas are illegal or unsafe. Check local law before possessing processed material.

Ephedra species are ancient gymnosperms. E. sinica is the classic ma huang of Chinese medicine: a short, sweating, wheezing formula herb. Isolated ephedrine became a street and sports stimulant and a cause of cardiac deaths, which is why supplement law changed. This plate is law, botany, and harm — not a workout protocol.

Flavor

Astringent, pine-desert, and sharply bitter. Not a pleasant cup.

Parts used

Green stems (traditional TCM, licensed context)

In favor

Historically important plant
Teaches why stimulant law exists

Against

Stroke, arrhythmia, hypertension
Banned as a dietary supplement in the US
Easy to abuse