🏕️Mongolian Traditional Medicine

Ephedra (Zagas Mod)

Ephedra sinica

About Ephedra (Zagas Mod)

Ephedra (Zagas Mod) (Ephedra sinica) is a herb used in the Mongolian Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Asthma, Respiratory Issues, Cold, and Nasal Congestion. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Ephedra sinica (also known as Chinese ephedra or Ma Huang) is a plant species native to Mongolia, Russia (Buryatiya, Chita, Primorye), and northeastern China (Gansu, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi).

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Ephedra (Zagas Mod) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Ephedra (Zagas Mod) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Ephedra (Zagas Mod) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
♨️

Steam Inhalation

1–2× daily during acute symptoms
  • Add 2–3 tbsp of Ephedra (Zagas Mod) to a bowl of just-boiled water.
  • Drape a towel over your head and inhale steam for 5–10 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Avoid

Ephedra is contraindicated in pregnancy — its strong stimulant effect raises blood pressure and heart rate and has been linked to serious cardiovascular complications; it is banned as a dietary supplement ingredient in many countries.

Breastfeeding

Avoid

Contraindicated during breastfeeding due to strong stimulant effects and documented serious cardiovascular risk.

Children

Avoid

Contraindicated in children due to serious cardiovascular risk.

Contraindications

    Warnings

    ⚠️ Allergic Reactions

    Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

    ⚠️ Not Medical Advice

    This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

    Drug & herb interactions

    MAOIs, stimulants, blood pressure medications

    Risk of dangerously elevated blood pressure and heart rate.

    Cardiac glycosides (digoxin)

    Increases risk of irregular heart rhythm.

    Where to find in nature

    Native region

    Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, southern Siberia

    Climate

    Continental steppe

    Habitat

    Vast steppes, mountain meadows, and forest edges of the Mongolian plateau

    🌿 To see Ephedra (Zagas Mod) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

    Where to buy

    In store

    • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
    • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
    • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
    • Farmers markets with herb vendors

    Online

    iHerb

    Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

    Mountain Rose Herbs

    Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

    Starwest Botanicals

    Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

    Herb Pharm

    High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

    Amazon

    Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

    Etsy

    Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

    Quality tips

    When buying Ephedra (Zagas Mod), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.