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8 Natural Health Beauty Tips
The number one natural beauty tip I can give you is to take your health seriously. In Chinese medicine, we know that natural external beauty is a reflection of inner health and well being. Often, the solution to external beauty problems is an...
Acne Proactive Solution: Treatment to the Stars
You may have seen the infomercials featuring stars like Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Williams, but is the science behind the acne treatment Proactiv Solution solid? Is it all sales pitch or does this product really work?
With over one half of adult...
Exfoliator, Guggul, Policosanol, Biotin, Inositol, Keratin for everyone at Organic Health by Pharmacists Research
Organic Health , Pharmacists research and Formulations, a
division of Aniline Pharmaceuticals based in Seattle, Wa, USA,
was founded by Registered Research Pharmacists, focusing on a
new concept in healthcare, the Concept of...
Health Alert: You Must React Immediately To Potentially Life-Threatening Allergies
(NC)-Does this sound familiar?
Your doctor has shown you how to use an auto-injector for adrenaline in the event of a severe allergy attack, but you are dreading the day it is needed. At the same time, you also know that your child's ...
Obesity finds a new victim: GORD
An epidemic on the rise, Obesity can raise a person’s risk of heart disease and diabetes. Researchers’ today report that too many pounds can also result in gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder known as GORD. People who had GORD showed symptoms of...
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Ephedra Is BACK: But Is It Safe?
It’s been called the world’s oldest medicine, the miracle fat burner, and is known in some parts of the U.S. as “Mormon tea.” Ephedra (also called Ma-huang or epitonin) has been used for its healing powers for more than 5000 years by the Chinese, who discovered the plant’s healing properties. So why was it banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004, and more importantly, why was the ban recently lifted?
What is Ephedra?
Ephedra grows all over the world, and in the Western United States, this flowering shrub can be found in deserts and sagebrush areas. The plant can be ground into powder for capsules, or dried and used in tea. Ephedrine is the “active” ingredient in ephedra, responsible for its healing properties. Ephedrine is a nerve stimulant similar to adrenaline, but not as strong as amphetamine.
What Does It Do?
Dieters have long known the powerful effects of ephedra in promoting weight loss. Basically, ephedrine creates a thermogenic response, speeding up metabolism and expediting the body’s fat burning rate while preserving muscle. Ephedra has proved to be particularly effective for people with a slow metabolism, who have previously had trouble losing weight.
Additionally, ephedrine can be used to treat bronchial asthma and cough by relaxing the air passages in the lungs. For this same reason, the plant is helpful in treating the effects allergies and hay fever. Ephedra can assist in fighting a minor cold by causing perspiration and urination (to relieve swelling and fluid retention). Alternative uses for ephedra include treating muscle and joint conditions such as bursitis, arthritis, and rheumatism. A synthetic (man-made) replacement, called pseudoephedrine, was created and is widely used in common over-the-counter medications such as Sudafed.
Why the Ban?
Possible side effects of ephedrine include insomnia, dry mouth, nervousness, general weakness, poor digestion, irritability, headache, dizziness, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and heart palpitations. Not surprisingly, this list is markedly similar to over-the-counter medications with the active ingredient pseudoephedrine.
Some argue that the pharmaceutical
companies have organized lobbyists to target ephedra because it was cutting into their sales for weight loss drugs and asthma drugs (bronchodilators). Others believe ephedra is not dangerous, but simply got some bad press as a result of a handful of people who intentionally misused ephedra or a synthetic replication of the isolated part of ephedra (ephedrine). Ephedra activists insist that human nature simply cannot be regulated and no one can control how people use (or abuse) any supplement, herb, or drug. How can you protect customers who ignore warning labels or double their doses?
The FDA inflicted a ban on ephedra in late 2003 (which became effective in early 2004), declaring an “unreasonable risk.” This decision was based on public comments, literature review, adverse event reports and scientific studies. Dieters were devastated, feeling that their right to safely and appropriately use this herb had been stripped from them.
Why Was the Ban Lifted?
After the conclusion of several court cases (including some high-profile cases), the FDA stated in its final ruling that only five deaths were attributed solely and directly to ephedra. Keep in mind, according to the American Herbal Products Association, approximately 12 to 17 million people consumed ephedra during 1999. Ephedra sales in 2002 were close to $1.3 billion. What you may not know is that in 1994, over 100,000 people died due to adverse reactions or overconsumption of prescription drugs.
Is Ephedra Safe to Use?
According to the FDA, ephedra is safe for human consumption when it is taken in the recommended dosages, and when all warning labels are strictly observed. Obviously, women who are pregnant or nursing, and people with certain diseases (such as high blood pressure) should NOT consume ephedra or ephedrine. It is advised that you check with your physician before taking ephedra.
Where Can You Get Ephedra?
Currently, one company claims to be the only U.S. supplier of ephedra for weight loss. You can purchase ephedra online at www.BetaFuelDirect.com
About the Author
Amy S. Grant is an avid fitness enthusiast who enjoys SCUBA diving, photography, and empowering people to achieve their goals.
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