Ma Huang is one of the most
famous Chinese herbs. It is properly known in the West
as a medicinal herb, used for clearing Lung conditions
and as a central nervous system stimulant. However
used properly, it can act as a special tonic and has
been used in this context by Chinese monks for a thousand
years.
Action and Taste: Warm Energy and Sweet Taste
Meridians: Lung and Kidney
Ma Huang is used
as a tea to keep awake and alert, and to clear perceptions.
It has long been used by Taoists and Zen monks before meditation
since it sharpens the awareness without causing agitation
or a come-down effect.
Though Ma Huang is considered
a "stimulant", which it definitely is, because
of the acute alertness it brings, it is said to help relieve
stress because it calms the mind. Ma Huang is said to clean
up the meridians and is tonic to the Kidney, supplying Ching "vital
essence" energy.
Its energy is said to move upward
and float. Thus it is used to clear fevers, blocked-up ears,
headaches, to clear the sinuses and to relieve colds. It
is mild diuretic and keeps the eyes bright and clear.
Ma Huang is most famous for its
effect upon Lung functions. When one drinks a mild brew of
Ma Huang, the person will feel a sense of controlled power
in the lungs. Breathing will be long, full and calm. This
deep breathing, the basis of all yoga's and meditative techniques,
results in a wonderful sense of well-being. Thus Ma Huang,
used properly, is the perfect meditator's herb. It is also
excellent for studying, staying awake while driving, or any
activity which requires alertness and mental control.
It is a desert herb and is therefore
very drying. It must therefore be used in very small quantities
to prevent a loss of Yin elements and should be balanced
with Yin herbs.
To prepare Ma Huang tonic brew,
blend ten one-inch long twigs of Ma Huang with a small amount
of cinnamon. Boil the Ma Huang first for 15 minutes then
add the cinnamon for another 5 minutes. Let steep for a few
minutes more. This tea promotes circulation, warms the skin,
hands and feet, and in the case of fever, will promote perspiration.
Ma Huang should not be used continuously
by people who are in a weak condition. These people should
use the classical tonics to build up their energies. A strong
person, however, will find Ma Huang simply amazing.
Ma Huang is used with licorice
root to strengthen the Lung energy and warm the
body. Used with cinnamon, licorice root and ginseng, it is
known as "Genghis
Khan Alertness Tea" since it was used by the guards
of Genghis Khan to stay awake (they were beheaded if they
were caught dozing off while on guard duty). Be sure to use
very little Ma Huang - it is very powerful.
