The sea grapevine ranks in the plant family of the sea grapevine and belongs to the order of seed plants. In the discoction, an area in which plants are separated from the rest of the range, there are between 35 and 70 different species.
Occurrence and cultivation of the sea grapevine.
Native to the entire world, ephedra is particularly well adapted to heat and drought. Sea grape is known by the scientific name ephedra. It is a pungent and bitter medicinal plant that is poisonous. In appearance, it resembles a mixture of broom and horsetail. Sea grapevine is perennial, so it is also hardy, and can grow between 30 and 60 centimeters in height. Rarely, it reaches a height of one meter. Native to the entire world, ephedra is particularly well adapted to heat and drought. It thrives best in dry areas, such as on sand or rocks. Rarely is sea ephedra found in grasslands. In the “Old World,” between Arabia to Portugal and North Africa, and in the “New World,” between the U.S. and South America, sea robbery is especially common. The nearly 70 species of ephedra are distributed throughout the globe. The woody plant has cane-like stems and its scale leaves are opposite, but almost entirely without leaves. The color of the flowers is very inconspicuous and can be green, yellowish, but also slightly reddish. They can be admired in the flowering period between March and May. Red and fleshy seeds develop from the bracts when the seeds are ripe. Since the seed set of the sea pine is not protected by carpels, it is considered a nocturnal seed. On average, one to three yellow to red, rarely dark brown, seeds are formed per cone. Seeds are collected throughout the year, but especially in the fall, as the potency is highest then.
Effect and application
The effect of this medicinal plant dates back to traditional Chinese medicine over 5000 years ago. It was used primarily to enhance performance. However, the effect of sea grape is used in many other areas of healing medicine. The ingredients of ephedra are mainly essential oils, alkaloids and flavonoids. In herbal medicine, sea grapevine is administered against asthma and respiratory diseases. Due to its bronchodilator effect, it is prescribed for bronchial muscle spasm. Due to its antiviral and cough-relieving effects, it is a home remedy for colds, and meertraubel is also used for thyroid disorders. Meerträubel can be used in many different forms to relieve symptoms. Powder, decoctions, tinctures and liquid extracts are made from the plant. When preparing tea, about a teaspoon of the meerträubel herb is poured over water that is no longer boiling. The whole brews for ten minutes and is then strained. No more than two cups of this decoction should be drunk per day. After three days of use, you should stop drinking the tea. The tea provides relief especially in respiratory diseases and colds. The powder made from the sea grapes is prescribed for a great number of diseases. To bring relief from rheumatic pains, a tincture of sea grape is prepared. Dried herb is infused with about a liter of vodka. The infusion infuses for up to two weeks in an airtight jar in a cool and dark place. From time to time the tincture is shaken. After the infusion time, the tincture is pressed and bottled in a dark vial. No more than 300 mg of the tincture should be used per day for an adult. Sea grapefruit is also found in many medicines. It is an ingredient in cough syrups, pastilles and nasal ointments.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Preparations containing meerträubel are generally available on prescription and cannot be purchased in Germany without a prescription since 2006. The exception is homeopathic remedies, which contain meerträubel only in diluted and small quantities. Due to its performance-enhancing effect, meerträubel counts as a banned substance in competitive sports. The composition of ephedrine is similar to that of the body’s own hormone adrenaline. The stimulating effect that occurs after taking it is similar to doping. Side effect after taking ephedra are insomnia, restlessness, nausea, vomiting and headache.People suffering from high blood pressure should refrain from taking it, as meertraubel has a blood pressure-increasing effect. Due to the ephedrine it contains, which is also the starting material of the chemical drug methamphetamine (crystal meth), meertraubel can be highly addictive and have toxic effects on the body. In combination with heart medication, cardiac arrhythmias can occur. In the USA, meertraubel in the form of preparations is also significant as a means for slimming cures. The appetite suppressant effect is supposed to support weight loss. It should not be taken during anxiety and restlessness, or during pregnancy. Before taking the product, consult a doctor or pharmacist about its effects and possible side effects. Meerträubel is subject to basic substance monitoring by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. The trade is therefore severely restricted and when purchasing on the Internet should pay attention to the seller and the entire content of the product. Meerträubel is used for the illegal production of narcotics and is also known as a “smart drug”. Seeds and meertraubel plants can also be purchased on the market. However, these should only be purchased for personal use. Acquisition and possession of meertraubel is subject to reporting and licensing under the Basic Substances Control Act.
