The Power of Ephedra
The Power of Ephedra
Ephedra is a shrublike plant found in northern China to Inner Mongolia. Its
dried green stems are used medicinally. The North American ephedra
does not appear to contain the active ingredients of the Asian species.
Ephedra's active medicinal ingredients are the alkaloids which stimulate
the central nervous system, dilate the bronchial tubes, elevate blood
pressure, and increase the heart rate. Its synthetic form is a popular
over-the-counter remedy for relief of nasal congestion.
The Chinese have used ephedra medicinally for over 5,000 years.
Ephedra is listed as one of the original 365 herbs from the classical first
century A.D. text on Chinese herbalism. It has been traditionally used as
the cure for the common cold.
As a weight loss aid, ephedra prevents the body from converting foods
into fat, thus helping in the control of weight gain by those who have low
metabolism. Lately, it has been taken off of most popular weight-loss
formulations due to its ability to increase blood pressure and the heart
rate.
Ephedra comes in tea, tincture formats and as add-on to weight loss
supplements.