Ephedra intermedia vs Tibetan Ephedra

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Ephedra intermedia

Respiratory

Ephedra gerardiana

Respiratory

Ephedra intermedia

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Tibetan Ephedra

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Central Asian ephedra species used in Chinese and Mongolian medicine; contains ephedrine alkaloids.

A Tibetan ephedra species used in Sowa Rigpa for respiratory conditions and cold patterns.

Active Compounds

ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, methylephedrine, norpseudoephedrine, tannins, flavonoids

ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, tannins

Traditional Uses

asthma, nasal congestion, cold and flu, edema, rheumatism

asthma, cold conditions, nasal congestion, edema

Modern Uses

bronchodilator, decongestant, stimulant, diaphoretic

bronchodilator, diaphoretic, diuretic

Adult Dosage

2-9g dried stem or 15-30mg ephedrine equivalent

1.5-6g dried herb daily

Contraindications

hypertension, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, anxiety, insomnia

hypertension, heart disease, anxiety, insomnia

Side Effects

tachycardia, hypertension, insomnia, appetite suppression

palpitations, insomnia, hypertension

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E