Ephedra – 101

What is ephedra? Ephedra, which is also known as Ma Huang, is a
5000 years old natural remedy. It grows mainly in Mongolia and
the bordering regions of China. It has been used in Chinese
medicine and has become a popular herbal dietary supplement in
the United States. Most noteworthy, ephedra is used as an
energizer and for losing weight and gaining muscles.

The main active ingredients in the ephedra plant are called
ephedrine alkaloids. Ephedrine is one of the naturally occurring
alkaloids present in Ephedra. Ephedra is designed to naturally
activate the sympathetic nervous system which increases the
amount of food converted to heat, a process called
thermogenesis. The results can be an effective treatment for the
symptoms of asthma, allergies, and sinus problems.

Is Ephedra safe to use? Scientific studies confirm that Ephedra
is a relatively safe remedy when used within the recommended
serving limits. The ephedrine alkaloids in Ephedra act as a mild
stimulant and develop effects similar to those of caffeine.
Ephedra has been used in Chinese medicine to treat symptoms of
asthma and upper respiratory infections.

In February of 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
imposed a ban on ephedra as a diet supplement but allowed
synthetic ephedrine and ma huang used for traditional Chinese
medicine to continue to be manufactured and sold. This ban came
into effect on April 12, 2004.

On April 14, 2005 little more than one year after the ban on
ephedra was imposed, a Utah court concluded that the FDA
overstepped their power in banning ephedra. The court said that
there was no evidence that low dosages, especially under 10mg,
pose any health risk. The court decision puts the responsibility
on the FDA to prove that ephedra poses a health risk, instead of
manufacturers having to prove that ephedra is safe.

Finally, the Miracle Fat Burner is Back and available to the
public. But this unparalleled weight loss concerned some people.
Ephedra was so powerful, its safety was questioned. When the
controversy peaked in 2004, ephedrine was taken off the shelves
for further testing.

Since then, it’s gone through rigorous tests – and passed with
flying colors. According to last month’s ruling in Utah, there
was never any basis for banning doses of 10 milligrams or less.
As a result, ephedra has once again been approved for public
consumption?

When it is all said and done it all boils down to one thing – a
choice. The choice is yours. Make it wisely!

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