Ephedra Sinica is a plant commonly known as Ma Huang, a traditional Chinese herb which has been used for centuries to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and hay fever. It contains the active ingredient ephedrine, which acts as a stimulant and can increase metabolism. Synonyms for Ephedra Sinica include Chinese ephedra, sea grape, Mormon tea, and yellow horse. These synonyms are used interchangeably to describe this plant and its various medicinal properties. While Ephedra Sinica is a popular natural remedy, it should be used with caution due to potential side effects such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations and nervousness.