Ephedra sinica

Ephedra sinica is a member of the ephedraceae family, native to China. It is also known as "Chinese Ephedra", Ma Huang, "Mormon tea", and "ephedra".

Ethnomedical uses

 * Dried aerial parts are used to treat asthma, allergic rhinitis, upper respiratory infection, colds, and is used as a general stimulant.

Side Effects
Ephedrine can cause heart problems and addiction.

Legality
As of April 21st, 2006, the FDA's decision to ban nutritional/diet supplements from containing the plant or extracts thereof of ephedra was upheld by the Tenth Circuit courts.

U.S. federal congress is currently discussing the scheduling of pseudoephedrine into Schedule V. Jan 2005. The bill created in Congress is S 103, Jan 24, 2005.