What is Ephedra?

Ma Huang

Ephedra, also commonly called Ma-Huang, is an herb which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. The dried stem of this evergreen shrub, native to Northern China, has traditionally been used in teas. Where these teas would be treatment for such conditions as breathing difficulties, hay-fever, chills, and headaches - just to name a few. The key ingredient in Ephedra is ephedrine, a natural but potent alkaloid.

The ephedrine in Ephedra stimulates the heart, the lungs, and the central nervous system; in-fact ephedrine behaves much like amphetamine, which is better known by its street name - speed. Until recently ephedrine could be found in many over the counter supplements, which would claim to treat a plethora of conditions including: asthma, allergies, hay-fever, the common cold, sinus congestion, lack of perspiration, and weight loss. However today, because of the potentially deadly consequences of using ephedrine in high doses or for extended periods of time, many states have banned the use of Ephedra. Prolonged use of ephedrine has been linked to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, seizures, depression, coma, fever, vomiting, heart palpitations, hypertension, respiratory failure, and even death.

Avoiding Ephedrine

Because of the negative circumstances surrounding the use of ephedrine, some herbal supplements which contain Ephedra have tried to avoid listing this ingredient by its common names: ephedrine, Ephedra, or Ma Huang. To avoid purchasing health supplements which contain ephedrine, review the ingredient list for Ephedra's lesser known names: Country Mallow, Joint Fir, Mahuang, Mahuanggen (ma huang root), Muzei Mahuang, Popotillo, Sea Grape, Sida Cordifolia, Teamster's Tea, Yellow Astringent, Yellow Horse, and Zhong Mahuang.

All diet patches we review on this site are Ephedra free!

October 21, 2004