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2 Ancient Methods Combined Together Make A Modern 2 Minute Stress Relief Technique
When Christopher Columbus arrived in the new world and landed on
his rowboat...the natives could not see his ship out at sea!
Their familiarity with their environment and the ocean in
particular was such that they couldn't perceive the...
Brain Basics: Understand Stroke. Know the Signs. Act in Time.
Nearly 2,500 years ago the father of medicine, Hippocrates, recognized and described a stroke--the sudden onset of paralysis. Until recently, modern medicine had very little control over this particular ailment, but the world of stroke medicine is...
Genetic engineering - miracle or hazard
Genetic engineering and gene therapy are the future of
medicine, because classical medicine is beginning to be
discredited, and the big farmaceutical companies are losing
ground. So maybe genetic engineering will replace drugs, because
it has a...
Oil Prices, Our Economy and Katrina
With the onslaught of Katrina, how will the world survive the
economic chaos that is about to unfold? Our economy cannot
sustain any more surges in oil prices with the AP wire reporting
$5.96 a gallon for regular gas in some areas of the U.S.
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The Hippocratic Oath Upheld - PHI, your personal health information kept private
"I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know." (1) This excerpt from the modern Hippocratic Oath to which every doctor swears by; it was set to ensure that each patient's information...
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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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