Ephedra Review
Review At A Glance
Ephedra is out of favor these days as a diet supplement, due to the (controversial) FDA ruling from February 2004. It should no longer be used for the purposes of weight loss, muscle building and athletic performance. Its uses in traditional Chinese medicine are not banned by the ruling.
How Does It Work?
The active ingredient in ephedra is naturally occurring ephedrine, an alkaloid salt which is a sympathetic nerve stimulant resembling adrenaline. Ephedrine opens bronchial passages, stimulates the heart and increases blood pressure, metabolic rate, perspiration and urine production. It reduces the secretion of both saliva and stomach acids.
Who Is It Good For?
Currently, it should be taken only in the context of traditional Chinese treatment of asthma, allergies, colds, hay fever and rheumatism.
