Ephedra is a genus of gymnosperm shrubs and a part of the Ephedraceae family and has been used to treat chronic disease of the airways in Chinese medicine for at least 5,000 years and referred to as Ma Huang. This is a natural plant treatment that can lessen inflammation in the airways, maintain wheezing and whistling that is associated with asthma.

The active compound in this plant is ephedrine, which can relieve the asthma symptoms and is also able to elevate blood pressure when isolated. When the whole herb is used it contains other compounds that can lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate.

The other uses for Ephedra Sinica are used in treating colds, flu, hay fever and even obesity, because of its properties that enable opening of the airways, and other respiratory difficulties.