Ephedra

1. Ephedra With a long history of medicinal uses in Asia for asthma and bronchitis, ephedra has more recently received a lot of negative attention in the western world for its use in weight loss and performance enhancing supplements. With a lengthy list of potential side-effects, its safety has come into question. The sale of ephedra containing products has been banned in the US since 2004 and, while still legal, in Canada, it is sold only under strict legislative rules. What is Ephedra? Ephedra is a medicinal preparation of plant Ephedra sinica which grows in dry climates throughout the northern hemisphere. In Asia, it is commonly known as mahuang. It is usually the branches and tops of the plant that are used to make medicines, but the root and the whole plant can also be used. The active ingredients are the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. These constituents have stimulant and decongestant properties and are chemically related to amphetamine. Because of its stimulant action, ephedra has a number of potentially adverse side-effects which has raised safety concerns. For this reason, ephedra is now banned in the United States, and its sale is strictly controlled in Canada. What is Ephedra Used For? For over five thousand years, ephedra has been safely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a treatment for colds, flu, and fevers as well as other lung conditions such as allergies, bronchitis and asthma. Beginning in the 1980`s, the use of ephedra became popular among athletes and body builders as a way to improve athletic performance. At around the same time, ephedra began being touted as a weight loss supplement and as a treatment to help combat obesity especially when combined with other stimulants such as caffeine. How Does Ephedra Work? The primary action of ephedra (and ephedrine) is as a central nervous system stimulant. It is more powerful than caffeine, but less potent than amphetamines. It mimics the sympathetic nervous system which is partially responsible for the innate `fight or flight` response. This stimulant action increases heart rate, constricts blood vessels which increases blood pressure, increases metabolic rate, and relaxes the smooth muscles of our respiratory tract which expands bronchioles and makes breathing easier. This stimulant action also suppresses appetite. Similarly, ephedra is classified as a thermogenic agent, meaning it increases body temperature, induces sweating, and increases energy expenditure by raising metabolism. These actions also account for the use of ephedra to enhance sports performance. The stimulant effects improve strength and endurance exercise, increase alertness and aggressiveness, and reduce fatigue. Potentially Harmful Effects: The stimulant action of ephdra causes several potentially harmful side effects such as skin reactions, irritability, nervousness, dizziness, trembling, headache, insomnia, dehydration, vomiting, hypothermia and more serious events such as irregular heart beat, seizures, heart attack, stroke, and even death. A study performed by the National Institute of Health looked at over 16,000 reports of adverse effects of ephedra and found that at least 2 deaths, 9 strokes, 4 heart attacks, 1 seizure, and 5 psychiatric cases involved the direct use of the supplement even at the recommended safe doses. Ephedra is classified as a performance enhancing drug and is banned by many athletic associations such as the International Olympic Committee, the National Basketball Association, and the National Football League. Despite this, it is still widely used illegally among professional athletes, sometimes with deadly consequences. Other information: Ephedra is banned in the United States and despite multiple appeals by the supplement industry it remains illegal to manufacture and sell any ephedrine-containing supplements. In Canada, ephedrine is authorized only for use in decongestants. Products containing ephedra are legal but come with very strict legislative restrictions regarding

2. marketing and labelling. Products with unproven claims regarding weight loss, body building, or athletic performance are not permitted and they cannot be combined with any other stimulants such as caffeine, green tea, or guarana. Dosage is strictly controlled; supplements cannot exceed 400mg/dose or 1600mg/day of ephedra or 8mg/dose or 32mg/day of ephedrine. Nutritional Information Ephedra Quick Facts Sources Ephedra Sineca – Whole Plant, Root, Tops, Branches. Applications · Banned In Us, Permitted In Canada Only For Decongestant Use Dosage Max Dose: 400 Mg Of Ephedra Or 8mg Of Ephedrine Works Well With · Not Recommended To Be Combined With Other Stimulants Important Information Click For Products Do Not Use If Pregnant Or Breast Feeding. Do Not Use Within 2 Weeks Of Surgery. Do Not Use If Any Of The Following Conditions: Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Heart Rate Disorders Such As Arrythmias, Over Active Thyroid, Low Blood Sugar, Glaucoma, Anxiety, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Kidney Disease, Kidney Stones, Mental Illness Or History Of Mental Illness, Enlarged Prostate, Cerebral Insufficiency, History Of Seizures, Strokes, Or Tia’s. Do Not Take With Any Stimulants Such As Caffeine, Any Decongestants Containing Ephedrine, Any Amphetamines Such As Adderall, Any Medications For Narcolepsy Or Add/Adhd, Any Anti-Depressants Especially Maoi’s, Any Blood Pressure Medication, Any Diabetes Medication Including Insulin, Codeine. For Informational Purposes Only. Please Consult Your Health Care Practitioner Before Taking Natural Health Care Products. Click Here For Full Disclaimer.