Posted by d

Doc Steve wrote:

> Among several of the natural alternative supplements, ephedrine (which
> I believe is in Ma Huang) worries me a lot. Ephedrine is an alpha-
> agonist, which constricts blood vessels. That's why it's good for
> runny nose-it constricts the blood vessels. So do most of the over-the
> counter nasal sprays.
>
I havent taken over the counter cold/sinus drugs since I was a teenager ....
they give me a headache and make me sleepy.

> Ephedrine perks people up because it abnormally raises your blood
> pressure. May patients with chronically high blood pressure complain
> of being "washed out" when their blood pressure is returned to normal.
>
that's what happens to me when I drink a second cup of coffee ... but not when
a drink a tea of MaHuang. I usually have low blood pressure ... and on those
occasions when my blood pressure is high/er (I can tell) I do not take
stimulants of any kind (coffee, tea, soda, exedrin, etc.)

> I thing Ephedrine is Really Bad for people with heart problems and high
> blood pressure. The most effective remedy for being washed out is that
> holistic approach, exercise!
>
I do my best to exercise ... you are right movement promotes higher energy levels.

> PS For 90% of my patients with sinusitis, I'm
> unabashedly "alternative." No drugs - no antibiotics, no
> antihistamines, no nasal decongestants. (They've not been shown in
> clinical trials to help with relief of acute sinusitis.) Here's what -
> saline nasal spray (you can even make it up at home, if you're
> thrifty!) Humid air, like in a shower or bathroom, a few times a day.
> Drink plenty of fluid, unless you have a heart or kidney problem.
>
I agree with you ... I have been doing the saline nasal treatments for over 13
years now ... they really help :-) as well as the humid air (i have gone
thru numerous humidifiers .... which brings up a question I have re:
humidifiers. Years ago when the newest class of humidifers came out ... more
powerful, no powder, finer spray ... I read that they could cause problems
with breathing (because of the fine spray, I guess). Do you know of any
precautions re: humidifiers? I would really like to get one of the fine
spray, quieter, longer lasting humidifiers.

> This kind of points out the broad spread of "Alternative Medicine:" I
> like the simple, homespun remedies if possible; but I frown on popping
> pills, whether they're drug company or herbal, if they can be avoided.
> --
I agree ... which is why I take my herbals as tea, and rarely buy pre-packaged formulas.

> Good health to you!
> Doc Steve
> (These are just my personal impressions.
> I'm not intending them as professional, expert advice.)
>
> Before you buy.
> George Lagergren wrote:
> > d wrote:
> > D> I find that drinking approximately one cup of Ma Huang tea daily helps
> > D> my energy levels as well. I sometimes mix it with other herbs, altho I
> > D> choose those herbs for different reasons daily, and they vary. What
> > D> other herbs do you use, and do you choose them because they
> > D> enhance/balance your energy level, or for other reasons?
> >
> > D> I am very interested in your response as I have found that in
> > D> alt.folklore.herbs, there is a lot of opposition by many participants
> > D> to taking Ma Huang, even for sinus infections. I used to take Ma Huang
> > D> only for sinus problems, but I have recently found it helpful in
> > D> maintaining my energy level without any discernible side effects, as
> > D> long as I dont drink too much.
> >
> > Even many alt med health types feel the herb, Ma Huang, will wear
> > out the body quickly since it will keep the body in a high active
> > state continuously.

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