Ephedra
Avoid Ephedra
Ephedra sinica
Ma Huang
Ma huang has been used in Chinese herbal medicine. Avoid ma huang as Ephedra sinica is derived from it. FDA banned ephedra products due to safety concerns. Ephedra contains a chemical called ephedrine.
Ephedrine stimulates the heart, the lungs, and the nervous system. It is sometimes marketed as a drug called herbal ecstasy. Ephedra can result in speeding up the heart rate causing the metabolism to quickly expedite. It has been used for weight loss and making of crack cocaine. Ephedra is associated has been associated with stroke, seizures, psychosis and even death. Side Effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, anxiety, psychosis, kidney stones, tremors, dry mouth, heart damage, high blood pressure, restlessness, nervousness, sleeping problems, decreased appetite, flushing, sweating, and increased urination.
Ephedrine containing products are banned from amateur sporting events, and evidence of ephedra on drug testing will likely disqualify athletes from competition. FDA ban on this substance includes any dietary supplements that contain ephedra.
