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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of respiratory conditions, including rhinitis. In TCM, Ma Huang is considered to disperse cold and release the exterior, promote sweating, and relieve wheezing by facilitating the flow of Lung Qi. It is commonly included in classic herbal formulas such as "Ma Huang Tang" for symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing associated with wind-cold invasion, which aligns with rhinitis-like symptoms.

The primary active component of Ma Huang is ephedrine, which has known sympathomimetic effects, causing bronchodilation and nasal decongestion. This pharmacological action supports its traditional use for relieving nasal congestion and respiratory distress.

However, while some early 20th-century Western medicine did use ephedrine for nasal congestion and asthma, its use has been largely discontinued due to safety concerns, including cardiovascular side effects and potential for misuse. There is limited modern clinical trial evidence specifically evaluating Ma Huang or ephedrine for rhinitis, although its decongestant effects are well-documented pharmacologically. Therefore, the justification for its use in rhinitis is primarily traditional, with some supporting pharmacological evidence, but modern clinical validation is lacking.

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