Ephedra is a commonly used diaphoretic and antipyretic medicine in daily life. Its effect is relatively rapid, so extra caution must be taken when using it, especially when treating different disease symptoms. Here are a few precautions to keep in mind when using Ephedra!
1. Do not exceed the recommended dosage and frequency
Ephedra has a strong diaphoretic effect. Excessive dosage may cause excessive sweating. Therefore, it is not recommended for friends who have mild symptoms of external wind-cold, palpitations, insomnia, cough, and asthma.
Since ephedrine has rapid tolerance, repeated use in a short period of time can relax bronchial smooth muscle and weaken the effect of relieving bronchial spasms, reducing the effectiveness of relieving asthma.
2. Not recommended for cough sufferers
Be cautious when taking Ephedra. In general, if the patient already has qi deficiency and persistent cough, it is not suitable to take Ephedra.
3. Be cautious for those with external wind-cold symptoms
Because the diaphoretic effect of Ephedra is obvious, some people may start sweating profusely immediately after taking Chinese medicine containing Ephedra. Therefore, people with external wind-cold symptoms, palpitations, and insomnia should be cautious when taking it.
4. Not suitable for those with spontaneous sweating due to deficiency
This medicine has a strong diaphoretic effect and is the main medicine for treating superficial and real conditions. For those who often have spontaneous sweating due to qi deficiency and night sweats due to yin deficiency, taking Ephedra will result in even more sweating and further depletion of vital energy in the body.
5. Do not use with drugs that increase blood pressure
Some drugs contain ingredients that can increase blood pressure, while Ephedra itself has a blood pressure-raising effect. When these two are used together, the blood pressure-raising effects are added together, leading to adverse reactions such as palpitations and sudden increase in blood pressure. In severe cases, hypertensive crisis may occur, which can cause significant harm to the body. Due to the blood pressure-raising effect of Ephedra, it should be used with caution in patients with insomnia and hypertension.
6. Do not use with sedative drugs
Ephedrine has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. When Ephedra is used followed by sedative or hypnotic drugs, the latter's effectiveness is reduced or even rendered ineffective due to antagonism.
