Ephedra Is BACK: But Is It Safe?

It’s been called the world’s oldest medicine, the miracle fat
burner, and is known in some parts of the U.S. as “Mormon tea.”
Ephedra (also called Ma-huang or epitonin) has been used for its
healing powers for more than 5000 years by the Chinese, who
discovered the plant’s healing properties. So why was it banned
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004, and more
importantly, why was the ban recently lifted?

What is Ephedra?

Ephedra grows all over the world, and in the Western United
States, this flowering shrub can be found in deserts and
sagebrush areas. The plant can be ground into powder for
capsules, or dried and used in tea. Ephedrine is the “active”
ingredient in ephedra, responsible for its healing properties.
Ephedrine is a nerve stimulant similar to adrenaline, but not as
strong as amphetamine.

What Does It Do?

Dieters have long known the powerful effects of ephedra in
promoting weight loss. Basically, ephedrine creates a
thermogenic response, speeding up metabolism and expediting the
body’s fat burning rate while preserving muscle. Ephedra has
proved to be particularly effective for people with a slow
metabolism, who have previously had trouble losing weight.

Additionally, ephedrine can be used to treat bronchial asthma
and cough by relaxing the air passages in the lungs. For this
same reason, the plant is helpful in treating the effects
allergies and hay fever. Ephedra can assist in fighting a minor
cold by causing perspiration and urination (to relieve swelling
and fluid retention). Alternative uses for ephedra include
treating muscle and joint conditions such as bursitis,
arthritis, and rheumatism. A synthetic (man-made) replacement,
called pseudoephedrine, was created and is widely used in common
over-the-counter medications such as Sudafed.

Why the Ban?

Possible side effects of ephedrine include insomnia, dry mouth,
nervousness, general weakness, poor digestion, irritability,
headache, dizziness, increased blood pressure, increased heart
rate, and heart palpitations. Not surprisingly, this list is
markedly similar to over-the-counter medications with the active
ingredient pseudoephedrine.

Some argue that the pharmaceutical companies have organized
lobbyists to target ephedra because it was cutting into their
sales for weight loss drugs and asthma drugs (bronchodilators).
Others believe ephedra is not dangerous, but simply got some bad
press as a result of a handful of people who intentionally
misused ephedra or a synthetic replication of the isolated part
of ephedra (ephedrine). Ephedra activists insist that human
nature simply cannot be regulated and no one can control how
people use (or abuse) any supplement, herb, or drug. How can you
protect customers who ignore warning labels or double their
doses?

The FDA inflicted a ban on ephedra in late 2003 (which became
effective in early 2004), declaring an “unreasonable risk.” This
decision was based on public comments, literature review,
adverse event reports and scientific studies. Dieters were
devastated, feeling that their right to safely and appropriately
use this herb had been stripped from them.

Why Was the Ban Lifted?

After the conclusion of several court cases (including some
high-profile cases), the FDA stated in its final ruling that
only five deaths were attributed solely and directly to ephedra.
Keep in mind, according to the American Herbal Products
Association, approximately 12 to 17 million people consumed
ephedra during 1999. Ephedra sales in 2002 were close to $1.3
billion. What you may not know is that in 1994, over 100,000
people died due to adverse reactions or overconsumption of
prescription drugs.

Is Ephedra Safe to Use?

According to the FDA, ephedra is safe for human consumption when
it is taken in the recommended dosages, and when all warning
labels are strictly observed. Obviously, women who are pregnant
or nursing, and people with certain diseases (such as high blood
pressure) should NOT consume ephedra or ephedrine. It is advised
that you check with your physician before taking ephedra.

Where Can You Get Ephedra?

Currently, one company claims to be the only U.S. supplier of
ephedra for weight loss. You can purchase ephedra online at
www.BetaFuelDirect.com

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