Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts | | Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) 713
84. ephedra species 719
85. Fatty acid metabolism 723
86. Fish oils 733
87. Flavonoids - quercetin, citrus flavonoids, and HERs (hydroxyethylrutosides) 745
88. Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo tree) 751
89. Glucosamine 761
90. Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) 767
91. Hydrastis canadensis and other berberine-containing botanicals 775
92. 5-Hydroxytryptophan 783
93. Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) 797
94. Introduction to the clinical use of Chinese prepared medicines 807
95. Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco) 815
96. | | PHARMACOLOGY
The pharmacology of ephedra centers around its ephedrine content. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine have been extensively investigated and are widely used in both prescription and over-the-counter medications for asthma, hay fever, and rhinitis. In 1973, over 20 million prescriptions contained one of these alkaloids.
Ephedrine
Ephedrine's basic pharmacological action is that of a sympathomimetic. Ephedrine stimulates both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors as well as the release of norepinephrine. | | Extracts of ephedra have been shown to inhibit complement in vitro, and a Chinese herbal medicinal prescription, Makyo-kanseki-to, was found to inhibit cyclic AMP activity.6'7
The principle adverse effects of ephedrine are CNS stimulation, nausea, tremors, tachycardia, and urinary retention.1"4
The major route of elimination of ephedrine is as the unchanged drug in the urine. The average half-life is 6 hours, although acidifying the urine will decrease the half-life considerably. Alkalinization will increase the half-life. | | Production of nitrosamines from ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and extracts of ephedra foliata under physiological conditions. Cancer Lett 1986; 31: 221-226
24. Sever PS, Dring LG, Williams RT. The metabolism of (-)-Ephedrine in man. Europ J Clin Pharmacol 1975; 9: 193-198
Introduction 723
Fatty acid structure and metabolism 724
Saturated fatty acids 724 Unsaturated fatty acids 724 Trans fatty acids 726 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) 726
Fatty acid metabolism
Richard S. Lord, PhD J. | | The pharmacology of psychoactive alkaloids from ephedra and catha. J Ethnopharmacol 1991; 32: 201-208
21. Nishikawa T, Bruyere HJ, Takagi Y et al. Cardiovascular teratogenicity of ephedrine in chick embryos. Toxicol Lett 1985; 29: 59-63
22. Nishikawa T, Bruyere HJ, Gilbert EF, Takagi Y. Potentiating the effects of caffeine on the cardiovascular teratogenicity of ephedrine in chick embryos. Toxicology Letters 1985; 29: 65-68
23. Alwan SM, Al-Hindawi MK, Abdul-Rahman SK, Al-Sarraj S. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Herbal products with zippy names and energy-boosting claims may be nothing more than concentrated ephedra, caffeine or guar ana, a South American herb that contains high levels of caffeine.
Allergy and cold medicines may contain synthetic variations of ephedrine, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), which can keep you awake. The asthma drug theophylline (Bronkaid and Primatene tablets, Tedral and others) is a stimulant that can make sleeping difficult.
The cortisones, such as prednisone, can also cause sleeplessness. |
Lendon H. Smith, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts | | Herbalists use adrenalinum, Carbo vegetabilis, lung, Arsenicum album, Bryonia alba, cam-phora, Atropa belladonna, Natrum muriaticum, Natrum su-phuricum, alfalfa, ephedra, garlic, lobelia, fenugreek, wild cherry, pleurisy root, mullein, horehound, and capsicum.
Bacterial Infections
The standard allopathic control is to use antibiotics. If repeated infections, the immune system is evaluated. |
Larry Trivieri, Jr.
See book keywords and concepts |  Among these are ephedra (in its natural rather than synthetic form), which he calls a very effective bronchodilator, especially when combined with thyme, an antispasmodic. Mullein tea soothes the mucous membranes and is especially good for night attacks. It can be combined with marshmallow and slippery elm tea for an additional mucus-secreting effect. Dr. Sherman also recommends passionflower tea or tincture for cases of asthma due to tension or nervous conditions.
According to Dr. | | Barrett, is made using one part each of tinctures of eye-bright, goldenseal, yarrow, horseradish, and ephedra. "Proper dosage is 30 drops every two hours for two days, then four times a day until symptoms are gone," he says.
Dr. Barrett also suggests an herbal formula for sinusitis attacks accompanied by infection: two parts purple coneflower and wild indigo, with one part poke root. Proper dosage is 30 drops every hour until the condition improves, then four times daily. Other herbs Dr. Barrett recommends are stinging nettle, goldenrod (as a tincture), and eyebright compound. | | AYURVEDA: • Basil tea with honey (especially basil from India or Tulsi) • Calamus, gotu kola, ginger, cloves, ephedra,bayberry 'Apply essential oils such as eucalyptus, menthol, or camphor (or ginger paste) to temple and root of nose.
JUICE THERAPY: • Carrot, celery juice • Carrot, beet, cucumber • Carrot, celery, spinach, parsley
ASTHMA
Biofeedback Training and Neurotherapy / Flower Essences / Guided Imagery / Mind/Body Medicine / Qigong and Tai Chi/Yoga
AROMATHERAPY: • During an attack, inhale bergamot, camphor, eucalyptus, lavender, hyssop, or marjoram. • Try frankincense for calming. | | So it's possible that by combining lobelia and ephedra (a stimulant), you'll get better results than if you use either alone."
Lobelia, however, is only an interim measure in treating nicotine dependency, warns Dr. Murray. Because the person can become hooked on this herb, it is important to wean the smoker off lobelia over a period of a month. Dr. Murray notes that oat extracts have also induced smokers to decrease the number of cigarettes smoked, even while they claimed to be unaware of the effect. | | The FDA has tried to limit the amount of the alkaloids in ephedra supplements, their duration of use, and their actual uses; however, another government agency has found the FDA proposal lacking in scientific merit and its adverse event reporting system faulty. At present, the herb and supplement industries have initiated voluntary label warnings and limits on the levels of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in supplements (usually limited to 25 mg of total alkaloids per dose; a total of 100 mg per day). |
Marion Nestle
See book keywords and concepts |  In response, dietary supplement companies argued that the FDA's approach to the regulation of ephedra was flawed and would have a devastating effect on small businesses. They induced the House Science Committee to investigate the method used by the FDA to demonstrate the supplement's harmful effects. This method relied on people's unverifiable self-reports.28 To the industry, regulations based on self-reported problems "appeared to be breaking new ground" because they were not based on controlled clinical studies. |
Lendon H. Smith, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts | | The following herbs are useful: Gingko, ephedra, ginseng, gotu kola, cayenne, acacia, and guarana. Bee pollen, C, E, GH3, octacosanol, brewer's yeast, desiccated liver have all been found useful.
Here is the story of a lady with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
There are perhaps a score of diseases that fit under the name of CFS. To a certain extent, the Life Balances program does not need to know the name of the disease. It only needs to know that there are chemical deviations from the mean, sets out to correct them, and the malady should take care of itself. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
See book keywords and concepts |  In China, ephedra has been used in combination formulas for the treatment of respiratory disease, including asthma, for more than 5,000 years. (Some safety precautions apply when using ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, but the same cautions apply to both the natural herb and the chemical versions.)
In many cases, herbs can produce results comparable to the best conventional treatments at substantially lower cost. |
James Green
See book keywords and concepts |  Lobelia, Black Walnut, Goldenseal, ephedra, etc.)
In the late 1800s medicine-makers felt that the state of solution of some plant components was at its best when vinegar was employed as the menstruum, at least as far as the medicinal action of these extracted components was concerned.This was particularly the case when the activity of the medicine depended on the presence of one or more alkaloids. A raw free-base alkaloid is often difficult to bring into solution, but by uniting it with the acetic acid of vinegar a free base alkaloid forms an alkaloidal salt. |
Lesley Tierra
See book keywords and concepts |  Either variety should not be taken by weak or frail people or those with deficiencies, as ephedra will only cause further depletion in those cases. | | Examples of warming stimulating herbs are: fresh ginger, cinnamon branches, cayenne, garlic, mustard, horseradish, angelica, lovage, scal-lion bulbs, ephedra, osha, sage and hyssop. Cooling stimulants include: the mints, lemon balm, catnip, elder, feverfew, chrysanthemum, bupleurum, yarrow and kuzu root.
It is important to note here that high fevers can be dangerous and so should be reduced as quickly as possible. For all fevers it is essential to keep the head and male genitals cool, as too high a fever can destroy nerve ceds in the brain and cause sterility in men. |
Francisco, M.D. Contreras
See book keywords and concepts | | Thermogenesis can be restored naturally by consumption of nutrients and herbs that stimulate adrenergic transmitters that activate the "uncoupling protein" (only present in BAT) that derails the normal conversion of calories into ATP (energy) to heat. ephedra and Salix are plants that specifically stimulate BAT. Many criticize their use because they could be toxic, but these plants are not toxic. |
Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Ma huang, or ephedra, is an herbal form of the central nervous system stimulant commonly known as speed, sold with names like Herbal Ecstasy, Cloud 9, and Ultimate XPhoria.
4. Herbal products that are fake or highly contaminated :
?In 1996, the Chinese government found widespread adulteration, contamination, illegal ingredients, and fake products in many of its herbal remedies. Illness and deaths resulted in China.The government closed most medicinal herb markets throughout China until new production guidelines could be established and enforced.
5. |
Lita Lee, Lisa Turner and Burton Goldberg
See book keywords and concepts |  Some of these drinks also contain caffeine or herbal forms of caffeine, such as ma huang or ephedra. Anyone can lose weight by reducing caloric intake and hyping themselves up with stimulants, but it is not a healthy approach to the problem and is likely a short-term solution at best.
Over-the-counter diet pills, such as phenylethylamine, should also be avoided. Diet pills work by tricking the brain into thinking you aren't hungry, but what happens when you stop taking them? A return to normal—generally unhealthy—eating patterns, including overeating and bingeing. |
Larry Trivieri, Jr.
See book keywords and concepts | | Chinese skullcap, ephedra, and feverfew are others to consider for treating allergy symptoms. Patients whose conditions are severe should consult with a trained herbalist or naturopath.
A major symptom of allergies is gastrointestinal upset, including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Demulcent herbs can alleviate these symptoms (demulcent is a term used by herbalists to describe an herb that has a protective effect on the mucous membranes by minimizing irritation).The most commonly used herbs are marshmallow, slippery elm bark, cabbage juice, okra, fenugreek, and aloe vera. |
Robyn Landis
See book keywords and concepts |  The whole ephedra "scene" is a perfect example of why the problem is lack of education and cultural thinking patterns, not the substance itself. This is why we have worked so hard to evoke a larger, integrative context to surround your use of herbal medicine. Information on specific remedies and their uses, alone, is too easily misused in a void.
The Herb Research Foundation publishes an "Herbal Stimulant Factsheet," which compares the caffeine and ephedrine content of various foods and drugs. |
Earl Mindell
See book keywords and concepts |  I recommend consulting a nutritionally oriented practitioner before using ephedra in any diet regimen.
Hydrocitric Acid (HCA): This is the active ingredient extracted from the sour Indian fruit garcinia cambogia, which Ayurvedic healers have used as a natural appetite suppressant for centuries. Marketed under the tradenames of Citrin™ and Citrimax™, as well as HCA, it is non-habit forming. Some studies suggest it can reduce caloric intake by as much as 10 percent. For best results, take three 500-750 mg. |
Marion Nestle
See book keywords and concepts | | In 1999 the family of a woman with hypertension who died of a stroke after taking ephedra supplements sued a health club that had recommended the product. Other such cases are sure to follow. Thus another evident but presumably unintended consequence of supplement deregulation has been the transfer of regulatory authority from the FDA, an agency established for that purpose, to the courts. | | The industry also induced members of Congress to demand extensions to the comment period on the ephedra proposals. As an example of the tone of these actions, the plaintiffs in Pearson v. Shalala, building on their success in that case, also entered into this new debate. They filed "their characteristically lengthy comment," one that pulled no punches: "The era of FDA regulation of truthful speech is coming rapidly to an end . . . [making] the FDA appear to be arrogant fools pretending that somehow only the FDA can access and interpret scientific information for consumers. | | As prescribed by doctors, doses of 100 milligrams of ephedrine per day do indeed induce weight losses of i to 2 pounds per week. ephedra supplements, however, vary widely in the amounts of the alkaloids they contain. Of particular concern is that the products may contain too much ephedrine, because overdoses cause a wide range of unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects: headaches, nausea, irregular heartbeats, sleeplessness, dependency, and—in extreme instances—death. |
Robyn Landis
See book keywords and concepts | | He suggests, "Don't take No-Doz with ephedra. Don't take Ex-Lax with cascara bark. Work your way in slowly and follow traditional use. Observe these rules of common sense, as well as the occasional specific caution we have given in this book." (That means if we say "This herb is very strong—do not take more than one capsule a day," do not take twelve and assume that you'll get better results.)
Many herb books provide lists of herbs that are contraindicated during pregnancy. Some natural medicine experts include only a handful of herbs on that list; others' list are very long. | | Do not take all of these remedies simultaneously; choose a few to start and substitute or add others if you are not satisfied with the results of your first choices:
Daytime remedies Night remedies
Herbs Kola nut, guarana seed, ephedra (ma huang) or yohimbe Ginseng, fo-ti root, or licorice root Gotu kola, ginkgo
Valerian root, hops leaf, or scullcap leaf
Vitamins & Minerals
Amino acids
6,100 mg.;B6100 mg. B complex 50 mg. l-phenylalanine 1,500 mg. or l-tyrosine 1,500 mg.
Foods, Chilies (especially red,
Other e.g., cayenne), Flaxseed oil (cold pressed)
Calcium 1,000 mg. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
See book keywords and concepts | | How It Works
Whole Plant Versus Isolated Constituents
When ephedra is taken in its whole-plant form, the powerful alkaloids are absorbed more slowly and have more long-lasting effects than the isolated constituents.6 In addition, whole plant formulas contain both of the two major alkaloids, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which have opposite effects on the body that help balance each other. Whereas ephedrine raises the heart rate and the blood pressure, pseudoephedrine actually lowers them. |
page 12 of 15 | Next ->
FAIR USE NOTICE: The research quoted here is provided under the protection of Fair Use provisions and published by the 501(c)3 non-profit Consumer Wellness Center for the purposes of public comment and education. Authors / publishers may submit books for consideration of inclusion here.
TERMS OF USE: Read full terms of use. Citations of text from NaturalPedia must include: 1) Full credit to the original author and book title. 2) Secondary credit to the Natural News Naturalpedia as a research resource and a link to www.NaturalNews.com/np/index.html
This unique compilation of research is copyright (c) 2008 by the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center.
ABOUT THE CREATOR OF NATURALPEDIA: Mike Adams, the creator of this NaturalNews Naturalpedia, is the editor of NaturalNews.com, the internet's top natural health news site, creator of the Honest Food Guide (www.HonestFoodGuide.org), a free downloadable consumer food guide based on natural health principles, author of Grocery Warning, The 7 Laws of Nutrition, Natural Health Solutions, and many other books available at www.TruthPublishing.com, creator of the earth-friendly EcoLEDs company (www.EcoLEDs.com) that manufactures energy-efficient LED lighting products, founder of Arial Software (www.ArialSoftware.com), a permission e-mail technology company, creator of the CounterThink Cartoon series (www.NaturalNews.com/index-cartoons.html) and author of over 1,500 articles, interviews, special reports and reference guides available at www.NaturalNews.com. Adams' personal philosophy and health statistics are available at www.HealthRanger.org.
|
 |
Refine your search
with Ephedra...
...and Key Health Concepts:...and Herbs
...and Herb
...and Products
...and Drugs
...and Treatment
...and Side effects
...and Disease
...and Symptoms
...and Drug
...and Problems
...and Concepts:...and Formula
...and Species
...and Combination
...and Weight
...and Content
...and Conditions
...and Time
...and Energy
...and Pressure
...and Study
...and Plants and Herbs:...and Root
...and Ginseng
...and Ginger
...and Leaf
...and Echinacea
...and Leaves
...and Cinnamon
...and Bark
...and Garlic
...and Ginkgo
...and Adjectives:...and Herbal
...and Dangerous
...and Traditional
...and Cold
...and Natural
...and American
...and Over-the-counter
...and Active
...and Recommended
...and Orange
...and Physiology:...and Effects
...and Effect
...and Increase
...and Increases
...and Rate
...and Stimulating
...and Helps
...and Increasing
...and Circulation
...and Stimulates
...and Anatomy:...and Heart
...and Blood
...and Body
...and Lungs
...and Brain
...and Kidney
...and Liver
...and Nervous system
...and Skin
...and Nasal
...and Health Conditions and Diseases:...and Asthma
...and High blood pressure
...and Insomnia
...and Colds
...and Hay fever
...and Anxiety
...and Pain
...and Congestion
...and Bronchitis
...and Allergy
...and Objects:...and People
...and Plant
...and Oil
...and Pills
...and Seed
...and Product
...and Market
...and Capsules
...and Companies
...and Produce
...and Stimulant
...and Dose
...and Dosage
...and Properties
...and Doses
...and Drops
...and Placebo
...and Receptors
...and Results
...and Double-blind
...and Substances:...and Water
...and Decoction
...and Formulas
...and Extract
...and Acid
...and Food
...and Tincture
...and Powder
...and Air
...and Tonic
...and Actions:...and Taking
...and Avoid
...and Drink
...and Sweating
...and Breathing
...and Treating
...and Stops
...and Remember
...and Sleep
...and Actions
...and Nutrients:...and Alkaloids
...and Alkaloid
...and Vitamin
...and Vitamin C
...and Magnesium
...and Pollen
...and Zinc
...and Calcium
...and Selenium
...and Potassium
...and Where:...and Chinese
...and China
...and India
...and United states
...and West
...and Europe
...and America
...and Asia
...and North america
...and Japan
...and Foods and Beverages:...and Tea
...and Coffee
...and Teas
...and Honey
...and Juice
...and Alcohol
...and Fruit
...and Berry
...and Wine
...and Meals
...and Who:...and Patients
...and Children
...and Americans
...and Women
...and Doctors
...and Men
...and Family
...and Patient
...and Herbalists
...and Adults
...and Biological Measures:...and Blood pressure
...and Heart rate
...and Height
...and Body weight
...and Blood glucose
...and Blood levels
...and Triglycerides
...and Medical Adjectives:...and Respiratory
...and Adverse
...and Acute
...and Cardiac
...and Therapeutic
...and Adrenal
...and Urinary
...and Standardized
...and Scientific
...and Intestinal
...and Biological Functions:...and Weight loss
...and Metabolism
...and Period
...and Concentration
...and Breath
...and Strength
...and Attention
...and Digestion
...and Memory
...and Vision
...and Organizations:...and Fda
...and Food and drug administration
...and Manufacturers
...and Health food stores
...and Drug companies
...and Pharmaceutical companies
...and Psychiatry
...and Pharmacy
...and Congress
...and Hospitals
...and Chemicals:...and Caffeine
...and Nicotine
...and Poisons
...and Additives
...and Benzene
...and Free radicals
...and Carcinogens
...and Mercury
...and Carcinogen
...and Dyes
...and Drugs:...and Stimulants
...and Tablets
...and Diuretic
...and Antidepressant
...and Aspirin
...and Antidepressants
...and Steroids
...and Laxative
...and Diuretics
...and Sedative
...and Macronutrients:...and Seeds
...and Oils
...and Minerals
...and Mineral
...and Calories
...and Protein
...and Salt
...and Proteins
...and Fats
...and Carbohydrates
...and Treatment Modalities:...and Chinese medicine
...and Massage
...and Relaxation
...and Ayurvedic
...and Traditional chinese medicine
...and Acupuncture
...and Meditation
...and Cleanse
...and Homeopathy
...and Fasting
...and Properties:...and Anti-inflammatory
...and Relieves
...and Expectorant
...and Analgesic
...and Oxidation
...and Irritant
...and Antiseptic
...and Calming
...and Antimicrobial
...and Relieving
...and Hormones and Biochemistry:...and Histamine
...and Insulin
...and Estrogen
...and Hormones
...and Saliva
...and Dopamine
...and Methionine
...and Neurotransmitter
...and Steroid
...and Lipids
...and When:...and April
...and Spring
...and At night
...and December
...and Summer
...and Winter
...and July
...and February
...and August
|
Related Concepts:
Ephedrine
Herbs
Herb
Root
Chinese
People
Effects
Asthma
Blood pressure
Tea
Formula
Herbal
Huang
Fda
Caffeine
Species
Heart
Products
Alkaloids
Ma huang
Stimulant
Blood
Weight loss
Taking
Drugs
Water
Effect
Body
High blood pressure
Treatment
Combination
Side effects
Ginseng
Avoid
Disease
Plant
Symptoms
Dose
Dangerous
Drug
Increase
Ginger
Traditional
Problems
Chemical
Cold
Decoction
Weight
Content
Leaf
Conditions
Alkaloid
Patients
Health
Dosage
Time
Energy
Metabolism
Echinacea
Medicine
Oil
Formulas
Natural
Pseudoephedrine
American
Increases
Pressure
Stimulants
Sinica
Over-the-counter
Extract
Diet
Active
Heart rate
Insomnia
Study
Vitamin
Ephedra sinica
Prescription
Leaves
Recommended
Chinese medicine
Acid
Studies
Properties
Doses
Cinnamon
Pills
Colds
Lungs
Orange
Bark
Chemicals
Seed
Plants
Brain
Medications
Dry
Red
Garlic
|
Email this page to a friend
