Chief of all medicinal plants. King of the pharmacopoeia. Both a physical plant and a divine being (Yazata). The Bundahishn (24.18) states: 'Haoma which is out-squeezed is the chief of medicinal plants.'

Cool, dry highlands of the Iranian Plateau, Central Asia, Afghanistan (Hari River valley), mountain regions above 1500m elevation. Does not grow in tropical or humid climates. The most conservative Zoroastrians of Yazd still use locally-sourced Ephedra known as hum or homa.

Yasna 9-11 (Hom Yasht), Yasna 10.17, Vendidad 19-20, Vendidad Fargard 20, Bundahishn 24.18, Bundahishn 27.4, Zatspram 21.1, Shahnameh

Cardiovascular support (raises blood pressure in hypotensive patients), respiratory disease (asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough), nasal and sinus congestion, chronic fatigue, mental clarity and alertness, immune stimulation, weight management (appetite regulation). Traditional Zoroastrian use includes spiritual enhancement, heightened perception, and vitality for ritual work.

Prepare only during Havan Gah (sunrise to noon) when cortisol is naturally elevated. Three small twigs of Ephedra placed in stone mortar with one pomegranate twig and pomegranate leaves. Pound repeatedly with clean water — never apply heat (heat destroys ephedrine). Add cow's milk (Iran) or goat's milk (India) — fats aid alkaloid absorption. Strain to produce Parahaoma (initial extract) and Hom (final consecrated liquid). Dosage: 12-15 drops only — precise microdosing within ritual framework. Consumed during the Yasna ceremony in the presence of sacred fire while reciting Avestan manthras.

Never used alone. Pomegranate provides antioxidant protection and cardiovascular support that counterbalances ephedrine's vasoconstrictive properties. Milk provides fats for absorption and proteins that moderate the stimulant effect. This is precision pharmacological compounding — stimulation with protection.

Ephedrine is a well-documented pharmaceutical compound used in modern medicine for asthma, hypotension, and as a nasal decongestant. Ephedra sinica and related species are pharmacopoeially recognized. Pseudoephedrine is the active ingredient in numerous over-the-counter cold medications (Sudafed). The WHO includes ephedrine on its List of Essential Medicines. Modern research confirms bronchodilatory, sympathomimetic, and CNS-stimulant properties that align precisely with traditional Zoroastrian therapeutic claims.