Ethnobotanicals
Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang)
Posted June 27th, 2008 by adminEphedra sinica (Ma Huang) is a plant in the family Ephedraceae, native to China. It is also known as Ma Huang.
Ma Huang has been used in China for over 5000 years, mostly as a medicament for sinusitis, flu and asthma. The whole plant contains ephedrine. Ephedrine can cause heart problems and addiction.
Lactuca virosa (Opium lettuce)
Posted June 27th, 2008 by adminLactuca virosa is related to common lettuce (L. sativa), and is often called Wild Lettuce, Opium Lettuce or Poisonous Lettuce. Lactuca virosa was used in the 19th century by physicians when opium could not be obtained. The dried milk-sap ("Lactucarium") or boiled leaves are mildly narcotic, traditionally serving as a home remedy for coughs.