|
What Is It
Also known by its Chinese name Ma huang, ephedra is made from
the dried stems of Ephedra sinica, a shrub native to desert
regions of Asia. However, preparations from species such as
E. intermedia or E. equisetina may also be effective. A synthetic
version of ephedra's active ingredients is widely used in
both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including hundreds
of cold, allergy, asthma, weight-loss, and energy-boosting
formulas. Unfortunately, the herb has been abused in recent
years, when some people began taking very high doses as a
recreational stimulant FDA considered banning the supplement
in 1996.Though a ban was not imposed, the FDA has since proposed
that all ephedra preparations carry a warning label.
What Does It Do
Ephedra's primary active ingredients, the chemicals ephedrine
and pseudo-ephedrine, have two major effects: They stimulate
the central nervous system and they open the airways. Ephedra's
stimulant effect is stronger than that of caffeine, but less
potent than that of amphetamines or that of the natural adrenal
hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), which prepares the body
for stressful situations (the "fight-or-flight"
response).
Ephedra makes the heart beat faster, increases blood pressure,
speeds up the metabolism, and acts as a diuretic. But throughout
its long history its main use has been as a bronchodilator,
to treat the bronchial and nasal congestion of asthma, allergies,
colds, and sinus infections. In the 1920s, U.S. drug companies
began extracting active ingredients from the herb and using
it in asthma and cold medicines. A practice that many companies
still follow today.
Common Uses
• Aids in weight loss, suppresses appetite.
• Eases congestion and labored breathing that are caused
by allergies or asthma.
• Relieves pressure and congestion in sinus infections
(sinusitis).
Major Benefits
Ephedra dilates the small airways in the lungs (the bronchioles),
which helps relieve congestion and coughing due to seasonal
allergies or to mild asthma. It also plays a role in alleviating
respiratory symptoms caused by colds, flu, and sinus infections.
Additional Benefits
Some weight-loss supplements claim that ephedra, usually in
combination with St. John's wort, is an "herbal fen-phen,"
a natural alternative to the antiobesity prescription drugs
fenfluramine (now banned for possibly causing heart disease)
and phentermine. Though ephedra may make the body burn calories
quickly and suppress appetite, studies of this herb as a weight-loss
aid have been contradictory. For those in otherwise good health,
it is considered safe and effective in recommended doses.
More controversial is the claim that ephedra enhances athletic
performance by boosting energy. Not only is there no scientific
basis for this theory, but it has had tragic consequences:
A number of athletes have become seriously ill, and several
have died after taking large doses of products containing
ephedra. The herb is currently listed as a banned substance
by the U.S. Olympic Committee.
How To Take It
Dosage: Check your bottle’s label to see how
much ephedrine is contained in each dose of ephedra. Most
standardized extracts supply about 5.5% to 6.5% ephedrine
(also known as “ephedra alkaloids”). Begin with
a low daily dose, such as 100 mg of ephedra (about 6 mg of
ephedrine). If side effects aren’t a problem, increase
the dose, but don’t exceed (30 mg of ephedra (about
8 mg of ephedrine) three times a day.
To make a tea, pour 1 cup of very hot water over 1 teaspoon
of dried ephedra (along with other herbs if desired) and steep
for 10 to 15 minutes; drink one or two cups a day. Or take
.25 to 1 teaspoon ephedra tincture (up to 8 mg of ephedrine)
in a glass of water up to three times daily.
Guidelines For Use: Check with your doctor
before using ephedra, especially if you have heart disease,
diabetes, or other medical problems, or if your symptoms do
not improve. Never exceed the recommended dose. This herb
can be taken long term for certain conditions, such as chronic
asthma, but try to use it only as needed. Ephedra may be safely
combined with many other herbs, including St. John's wort.
But avoid taking it with caffeine, which can cause excessive
stimulation. If it promotes insomnia, omit your evening dose.
Possible Side Effects
The higher the dose and the longer you take ephedra, the greater
the incidence of such common side effects as nervousness,
insomnia, heart palpitations, and paleness. Less often there
may be dizziness, tingling, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite,
muscle cramps, headache, and difficult or painful urination.
Extremely serious side effects include high blood pressure,
stroke, seizures, and with very high doses, hallucinations
and psychosis.
Caution!
• Ephedra can cause blood pressure to soar. Check with
your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease,
or heart rhythm disorders or take MAO inhibitors for depression.
• Ephedra can elevate blood sugar. People with diabetes
should use it with caution.
• Talk to your doctor if you have thyroid disease, difficulty
urinating from prostate problems, or are pregnant or breast-feeding.
|
