Sacred Seed - Exotic Seed And Houseplant Shop
Specializing in medicinal, rare, and otherwise intriguing plants.
Toronto Ontario Canada
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Ephedra major (Mediterranean Ephedra)
Origin:
Spain and the Mediterranean
Germination information:
Soak seeds for 24 hours in warm water with the additions of a B1 tonic if you choose. After soaking for the recommended period place them into a small greenhouse tray filled with moist perlite covered by a humidity dome until the majority have sprouted. Most seeds should sprout within 7-14 days. Once this growth phase is complete you may plant them out into a sandy well draining soil mix.
Pharmacology:
This species is a high yielding source of Ephedrine , which is extracted from the green branches with a high total alkaloid content between 0.5% and 1.0%. Total alkaloids are made up of about half ephedrine and the rest pseudoephedrine, N-methylephedrine, norephedrine and related compounds. Ephedrine acts like adrenaline, but is orally active. The drying process plays a big role in the end quality of the product. Slow drying in moderate temperatures will yeild the best results.