Ephedra herbs (Ephedra Sinica) are evergreen shrub-like plants native to Central Asia and Mongolia. They are also known as Chinese ephedra, Joint fir, ma huang, Mormon tea, whorehouse tea and shrubby horsetail. They are used in traditional Chinese medicine since ages. The dried stems and leaves of ephedra herbs are used to create capsules, tablets, extracts, tinctures, and teas.
The main compound found in this herb is ‘ephedrine’ which can stimulate the nervous system and heart. It also has diuretic properties. Ephedra is used as a central nervous stimulant, bronchodilator and peripheral vasoconstrictor. It should be taken under the direction of registered medical practitioner as it can have serious side effects. FDA banned the U.S. sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra herbs.
Here are Few Uses of Ephedra Herbs:
- Ephedra herbs have been used for more than 5,000 years in China and India to treat conditions such as colds, fever, flu, headaches, wheezing, and nasal congestion.
- Although its use is illegal in sport, it does help to enhance concentration as well as athletic performance and decreases the sensation of fatigue, hunger, as well as pain.
- The bronchodilator properties make it useful to treat asthma, hay fever and other allergies.
- Ephedra herbs have also been an ingredient in many dietary supplements used for weight loss, increased energy, and enhanced athletic performance.
- The peripheral vasoconstrictor properties cause an increase of blood pressure.
- It is often included and used in slimming medications, as it boosts the feeling of well being, while reducing the sensation of hunger.
- In Chinese medicine it is used for kidney weakness, colds and allergies. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used for treatment of edema.
Side Effects and Warnings:
- Studies and systematic reviews have found an increased risk of heart, psychiatric, and gastrointestinal problems, as well as high blood pressure and stroke, with ephedra herbs.
- Some of the possible side effects of ephedra are: nausea, headache, dizziness, irritation of the stomach, diarrhoea, anxiety, psychosis, kidney stones, tremors, dry mouth, irregular or rapid heart rhythms, restlessness, nervousness, sleeping problems, decreased appetite, flushing, sweating and increased urination.
- In 2004, the FDA banned the U.S. sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra herbs. The FDA found that ephedra herbs had an unreasonable risk of injury or illness, particularly cardiovascular complications, and a risk of death.
- Ephedra should be taken under the direction of a qualified health practitioner and must not be taken by people using monoamine (MAO) inhibitors, or when suffering from high blood pressure, angina, glaucoma, prostate disease or hyperthyroidism.
- It may also worsen the side effects of other stimulants, including coffee and the long term use of it should be discouraged, as it could lead to dependency.
- It is regarded as illegal doping in sports.
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