Ma Hueng

I have in the past been victim of substance abuse, but have been clean for 8 months which I am very proud of.  I am on probation and was recently called in for a UA which ultimately came back dirty showing use of Meth. I have been taking Ma Hueng and wonder if that could have been the cause of the dirty UA.  Any immediate answers would be greatly appreciated as my probation may be revoked!  Thanks.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Here is an answer I gave before that might help...it has ephedra and that could easily be the problem with your ua.  pseudoephedrine will test as meth.

Ephedra Sinica or Ma Huang widely used as medicine against asthma, allegies, and hayfever. Also used as smartdrug and diet-product.

Ma Huang is a powerful bronchial decongestant, and is known as one of the world's oldest medicines. Pseudoephedrine is the herb's laboratory analog which has been used in modern over-the-counter products since the 1920's.

Ephedra often causes insomnia. The Food and Drug Administration considers ephedra an herb of "undefined safety."

Like all medications, there are some side effects that occur to only a minority of all the takers.