Herbal Ephedra Extract
Ephedra is the common name of the plant Ephedra Sinica. The plant species is an evergreen shrub, which is found in North China and parts of Mongolia. Ephedra – a natural product, is believed to have medicinal properties, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5000 years, for treatment of respiratory diseases like Asthma and Hay Fever. It is known as Ma Huang in China.
The use of herbal ephedra extract for medicinal purposes is well documented. The Zen monks used it to produce a calming effect during meditation, and the Mormons used it in drinks to replace tea and black coffee. In the 19th century, there were claims made that Ephedra could cure sexually transmitted diseases like Syphilis and Gonorrhea. Ephedra became a common item in brothels due to these claims. It has been confirmed, though, through research, that Ephedra was incapable of curing these diseases. In the earlier part of the 20th century Ephedra found use as a nasal decongestant for Asthma patients.
In recent years, dietary supplements containing natural products with ephedra have been brought to book by the Food and Drug Administration, of the USA, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines, and the medical community. This was due to a high rate of reported side effects and deaths traced back to the use of Ephedra. The FDA, in 2004 banned the sale of Ephedra supplements. The ban has been challenged in court a number of times but as of today, Ephedra containing supplements still remain illegal in the USA due to their health risks.