Ephedra

This age-old shrub-like evergreen plant is found in desert regions in central Asia and other parts of the world and the dried greens of the plant have been used medicinally for thousands of years, carried over to modern times.  Ephedra is a stimulant containing the herbal form of ephedrine, an FDA-regulated drug found in over- the-counter asthma medications.

This powerful stimulant (also known as Ma huang, Chinese Ephedra and epitonin) is the Worlds oldest medicine and was discovered by the Chinese more than 5000 years ago.

There are currently 32 known species of Ephedra; Ephedra Sinica (Ma Huang) and Ephedra Viridis (Mormon Tea) being the two most commonly used varieties. Native Americans and Mormon pioneers drank a tea brewed from an Ephedra, called Mormon Tea.

Ephedrine, which is the most sought-after ingredient in Ephedra, is responsible for the majority of Ephedra’s effects on the body. But not all varieties of Ephedra contain it. Ephedra Sinica is known for having the strongest concentration of ephedrine while Ephedra Viridis is known for usually not containing any ephedrine alkaloid.

Ephedra’s Potential Uses

Ephedra has some very valid uses such as, increasing metabolism and helping promote weight loss. It also clears the air waves in the lungs to help treat asthma and it promotes perspiration to help a person recover from a minor cold and helps promote urination to help relieve edema. You can find it in many cold and flu remedies.

However, it was not discovered until modern times that it could be used as a tool for weight loss and as an energy booster and this is when the demand for this product soared. It’s the ephedrine that supplies the stimulating effect of Ephedra, thus burning off body fat resulting in more energy and loss of appetite.

Ephedra has gained popularity amongst those individuals who would like to lose weight or by those who want to party all night without getting tired too quickly. It is important to note that there are many legal alternatives that do just that, only without the risks and legal hassles. Trip2Nite is one such product. Although Trip2Night is Ephedra free, it consists of a more effective stimulant for the amphetamine side of the Trip2night high.

These claims do not go unfounded—Ephedra has been widely researched for its thermogenic (fat burning) properties and energy boosting effects. This product had become very appealing to many body builders and athletes, because of these effects and has shown a positive impact on endurance, strength and energy. This enables an athlete to train for a longer period of time, to train harder and for the speed of muscle mass creation to be increased. All of these factors make this a highly sought after substance and a great number of athletes use Ephedra containing products to enhance their progress.

Research has shown that Ephedra helps promote the loss of fat while helping spare lean muscle tissue, ironically something that prescription diet medications still have not been able to reproduce. However, there are some great all natural herbal alternatives on the market that are 100% legal that can do just that, only without the adversity of Ephedra—No legal hassles and no risky side effects involved.

Safety of Ephedra Comes Under Fire

According to several studies done recently, one in particular by the Mayo Clinic, major safety concerns associated with the use of Ephedra or ephedrine, were recognized, including hypertension (high blood pressure) tachycardia, CNS excitation, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction (heart attach), and stroke. This raised eyebrows and soon the safety of Ephedra and Ephedra-containing dietary supplements came under fire by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as other organization and April 12. 2004 a ban was imposed upon these products and to date the sale of Ephedra-containing dietary supplements remains illegal in the United States due to evidence of adverse Ephedra-related effects.

However, not all individuals heed the warning and despite widely publicized safety concerns, foolishly 14% of individuals using non-prescription weight-loss products in the United States continue to take Ephedra or ephedrine containing products.

Side Effects Of Ephedra

Nausea, headache, dizziness, irritation of the stomach, diarrhea, anxiety, psychosis,

kidney stones, tremors, dry mouth, irregular or rapid heart rhythms, heart damage, high blood pressure, restlessness, nervousness, sleeping problems, decreased appetite, flushing, sweating, and increased urination. Use of Ephedra has also been associated with stroke, seizures, psychosis and death. Now that is some pretty scary stuff—enough so that I would be looking towards an all natural, legal alternative.

Ephedra is believed to increase the risk of heat stroke, because it increases metabolism and impairs the body’s ability to lose heat

The risk of side effects and adverse effects appears to be greater in people with pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure; heart rate disorders; thyroid disease; hypoglycemia; glaucoma; anxiety; glaucoma; pheochromocytoma; diabetes; kidney disease or kidney stones; mental illness or a history of mental illness; enlarged prostate; cerebral insufficiency and a history of seizures, stroke, or transient ischemic attacks. People with these health conditions should avoid Ephedra. People with allergies to Ephedra, ephedrine, or pseudoephedrine should also avoid taking this product.

As with many medications, there are cautions and some of the cautions individuals should take are as follows: Do not to take Ephedra two weeks before or after surgery, do not use this product if you are pregnant or are nursing and individuals with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia should avoid it, because it acts as an appetite suppressant.

What Is Covered By This Action

Drugs affected by this ruling include dietary supplements that contain ephedrine alkaloids, such as Ephedra, Ma Huang, Sida Cordifolia, and Pinellia. However, the rule does not pertain to traditional Chinese herbal remedies. It generally doesn’t apply to products like herbal teas that are regulated as conventional foods. In addition, products regulated as drugs that contain chemically synthesized ephedrine are not dietary supplements and not covered by this rule, which include drugs used for the short-term treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and allergic reactions.

There are many legal alternatives available to Ephedra without these serious risk factors. There are all natural fat burners, energy boosters and natural euphoric products that far surpass the benefits of Ephedra, without all its risks and legal hassles, such as crank powder, liquid speed and trip2nite—so, find out more about these products and be safe!