Supplement Resource
- Ephedra
- Latin Name: Ephedra sinica
- A.K.A.: Ma Huang
- Category: Herbs
- Parts Used: Stems
- Origin:
- Active Constituents/Nutrients: Essential oils, saponins, epedrine and other alkaloids.
- Historical/Traditional/Modern Uses:
- A bronchial decongestant useful in the elimination of fluids and relief of bronchial spasms while stimulating the central nervous system. May be useful for allergies, asthma, colds and other respiratory complaints. Used and often misused to decrease appetite and elevate mood for5 social use, depression and obesity.
- Side Effects/Precautions:
- The FTC has issued the following warning:
Taking more than the recommended serving may result in heart attack, stroke, seizure or death. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have high blood pressure, heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, or glaucoma, or are using any prescription drug. Do not use if you are taking a MAO inhibitor or any allergy, asthma, or cold medication containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine. Discontinue use if dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, or nausea occurs. Do not take near bedtime. Avoid alcoholic beerages while using. Discontinue use and call a physician or licensed healthcare professional immediately if you experience rapid heartbeat, dizziness, severe headache, shortness of breath, or similar symptoms. Individuals who consume caffeine with this product may experience serious adverse health effects. The maximum recommended dosage of ephedrine alkaloids for a healthy adult is no more than 100MG in a 24 hour period for not more than 12 weeks. Improper use of the product may be hazardous to a person's health. Reduce or discontinue use if nervousness, tremor, sleeplessness, loss of appetite or nausea occur.
- Possible Drug Interactions:
- Ephedra has negative interactions with a variety of other medications. It may disturb the rthym of the heart when taken with heart drugs such as digitalis or digoxin (Lanoxin). The blood pressure medication guanethidine (Ismelin), MAO inhibitors (including Nardil and Parnate), and Eldepryl (for Parkinson's Disease), can dangerously exaggerate the herb's stimulative effects. Combing ephedra with ergot-based drugs may result in high blood pressure.
- Overdose:
- Exceeding the recommended dosage of ephedra may result in death due to heart failure and suffocation. Symptoms include severe sweating, enlarged pupils, spasms, and increased body temperature.
- HerbalFitness.com Products containing Ephedra:
- HerbalFitness Allergy Formula
- Lungs Plus Formula
- Sinus Allergy Formula
- Ephedra Herb Extract
- Bulk Ephedra Herb
| Information provided in the Supplement Resource is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or prescribe treatments. Statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. |
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