Ephedra

Scientific name of Ephedra: Ephedra Gerardiana

Name of Ephedra in different languages:-

English: Gerard Joint fir

Sanskrit: सोमलता Somlata, Soma

Hindi:Asmania, सोमलता Somlata, Khanta

Tamil: Somamum

Malayalam: Somalatha-സോമലത

Plant description:

It is found Himalayas region in India, It is a perennial shrub, which grows up to a height of two feet, it is a leaf less stems grew up to 2 m long, green or gray, hairless. Flower are found in in axils, 6 to 15 pale yellow flowered, on 3 to 5 mm long stalks borne at branch apex, petals ovate-oblong or oblong-lance-shaped, hairless , flowers occurs in March-November. Seed are pods, lance shaped in outline about 15 cm long and 1 cm, Fruits are cones, red like berries and it is poisonous, seeds are ovate, about 3 mm and 2 mm.

Useful plant parts:

Roots, stem

Medicinal uses:

Used in the treatment of respiratory disorders, arthritis, allergic rhinitis, common cold, allergies, asthma, edema, viral infection, mental diseases, and sinusitis.

Chemical content:

Ephedrine, tyrosine, flavonoids, lignans, catechols and polysaccharides, spermine alkaloids,and rocyanidins

Medicinal Properties:

Diuretic, broncho-dilator, stimulant

It is used as an ingredient in the Ayurveda medicines like: