Subshrubs small, to 40 cm, sparsely branched; woody stems short or prostrate; branchlets straight or curved, sometimes slightly involute, internodes (2.5-)3-4(-5.5) cm × ca. 2 mm, shallowly furrowed. Leaves opposite, connate for 1/3-2/3 their length, free part subulate to narrowly triangular, to 5 mm, apex sharply pointed. Pollen cones sessile or pedunculate, solitary or in clusters at nodes, rarely terminal; bracts in 4 pairs, margin very narrow, membranous, apex obtuse or subacute; anthers 7 or 8, sessile or shortly stipitate. Seed cones terminal or axillary, solitary, oblong-ovoid or subglobose, ca. 8 × 6-7 mm at maturity; bracts in 4 pairs, connate for 1/2–3/4 their length, red and fleshy at maturity; integument tube 1-2 mm, straight or slightly curved. Seeds usually 2, black-red or grayish brown, concealed by or equaling bracts.

Pungent, bitter, warm herb that dilates the bronchial vessels whilst stimulating the heart and central nervous system. Antidote, diaphoretic, diuretic, pectoral, vasoconstrictor and vasodilator (stem); antihydrotic (root)

Plants for a Future
Materia medica

Ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, ellagic acid, ephedrine, gallic acid, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin (plant)

In the treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic complaints; in the treatment of night sweating and spontaneous sweating (root); to treat asthma, allergic rhinitis, catarrh, upper respiratory infections such as pharyngitis, sinusitis and laryngitis, colds, influenza and as a general stimulant (dried aerial parts)

There are significant safety concerns regarding use of ephedra-containing dietary supplements, especially when consumed without medical supervision. This article reviews & contrasts the usage of ephedra as a dietary supplement in US against an herbal medication in traditional Chinese medicine (Mehendale et al., 2004).