Somlata

Somlata / Ephedra Gerardiana / Ephedra Californica

Botanical Name: Ephedra californica, Ephedra gerardiana,

Plant Family: Ephedraceae

Common Names: Brigham Weed, Ephedrine, Epitonin,

Origin:
Indigenous to west central China, southern Siberia and Japan

History:
It has been used medicinally in China for more than 5000 years. In 2700 BC, Shen Mung, the first Chinese herbalist used the dried roots and stems as a decongestant to treat: asthma, colds, coughs, fever, hay fever, headaches .

The American Indians used the root for:

flushing the kidneys, internal bleeding, purifying the blood, venereal disease.

Tradition:

It was made as a fermented drink and used ceremonially by Vedic and Zoroastrian priests

MedicinalPartsUsed: Root and Stems

Contains: Ephedrine, salt of an alkaloid, tannin

Action:

1. antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions],

2. decongestant [relieves lung congestion],

3. stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy] to Sympathetic Nervous System similar to adrenaline

Ephedra is used for:

Blood Conditions : purifies the blood

Genitourinary Conditions: flushes the kidneys

Respiratory Tract Conditions: acts on air passages, asthma, hay fever, low blood pressure, influenza and pneumonia

Inflammatory Conditions: relieves swellings of the mucous membranes, rheumatism, unstriped muscular fibers

Caution:

Ephedra should not be used without professional advice if you suffer from diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure , thyroid trouble