Pinku pinku

Ephedra americana

A leafless shrub with green, jointed stems, related to the Chinese ma huang. Ephedra species contain ephedrine, which widens the airways but also raises heart rate and blood pressure; how much this species contains has been little studied.

Safety notes

Not internally with heart complaints, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, anxiety, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and not with stimulants or antidepressants. Ephedrine is on the doping list. A fracture needs a doctor. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Not internally with heart complaints, high blood pressure or in pregnancy. A fracture needs a doctor.

Preparation

Externally: ground stem and root as a powder on a small wound, or with salt and egg white as a paste in a bandage.

Use in traditions

In Peruvian folk medicine the plant is used for colds and flu, and to help bones knit after a fracture. According to Girault the Kallawaya drink an infusion of the stems for flatulence and a decoction for dysentery, rinse the mouth with it for inflamed gums and loose teeth, and bind finely ground stem and root with salt and egg white in a bandage around fractures and dislocations.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Kallawaya healing in Bolivia

Attributed effects

To support fractures and dislocations; as a rinse for inflamed gums.

Preparation and amount

Finely ground stem and root with salt and egg white as a paste in a bandage.

Caution: Not internally with heart complaints, high blood pressure or in pregnancy. A fracture needs a doctor.

Ways to prepare herbs: Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from South America →