Ma hueng

I would like to know why when I take a supplement called Ma Hueng, does it not affect me like it does other people?  My friends will take the same supplement and be "on edge" for hours.  I could take the same dosage and be able to go to sleep.  We weigh about the same.  Do you have any answers for me? Thank you very much.

[HFHS MD - RG]

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.

[Joe R.]

My question was not answered at all.  I know what Ma Hueng is.

[HFHS MD - RG]

People's metabolic rates differ. Some people will metabolize a drug quickly, others slowly. For others, they only need a low dose, for others a high dose.
It really depends on the genetic make-up of the individual. It has less to do with age or body size.

[Haghtagan]

Hey Joe, I too take this herb. It works like speed for me and helps to surpress my appetite. The company where I receive it from has been band from selling it in 6 states. I could drink a pot of coffee and go to bed, however, when taking this herb, I can not take it past 6pm or I don't sleep well at all. I had to increased my dosage on this herb to achieve this effect. I'm not to sure if there are any long term effects, or if permament damage could happen from taking this herb, considerating the fact that I haven't been able to locate any reasearch done on the long term use of it or taken in large qualinties. Check out this site:   http://www.greaterchinaherbs.com  click on Herbal Encyclopedia  then on Traditional Chinese medicine the Diaphoretics then Dispel wind and cold  then choose "Ephedra". Like any drug, it all effects everybody differently...the higher the quality and/or quanity the more effect you will achieve.