Ephedra

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Defeating Diabetes Brenda Davis and Tom Barnard See book keywords and concepts

It is made from ephedra (ma huang) and a combination of other active ingredients such as St. John's wort, caffeine, and aspirin. ephedra is on the FDA's list of dangerous diet supplements because of reports of adverse effects, including nervousness, headaches, tremors, insomnia, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, seizures, and death. This is definitely one to steer clear of. Several spices, including red pepper, ginger, mustard seed, cinnamon, and cardamom are also thought to boost metabolic rate.

The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies Mark Stengler, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

There is no doubt that people lose weight by taking ephedra preparations, as it stimulates fat metabolism. But at what long-term costs? The problem is, anyone taking ephedra in the "straight" form—without the benefit of other combinations of herbs—may as well be taking amphetamines. For someone with severe obesity who is contemplating surgery, it might make sense to be treated with ephedra by an experienced practitioner—and it certainly is an alternative to more dangerous pharmaceutical medications.

Living the Low Carb Life: Controlled Carbohydrate Eating for Long-Term Weight Loss Jonny Bowden, M.A., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

By stimulating specific adrenergic receptors, it is theorized that synephrine stimulates fat metabolism without the negative cardiovascular side effects experienced by some people with ephedra (also called ma huang). Bitter orange usually contains between 1 and 6 percent synephrine, but some manufacturers boost the content to as much as 30 percent. It does 7 have a thermogenic (fat-burning) effect. In animal studies, synephrine caused weight loss, but it also increased cardiovascular problems.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

Avoid the banned supplement ephedra (ma huang), as it can aggravate anxiety. Recommendations Q Include in the diet apricots, asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, brown rice, dried fruits, dulse, figs, fish (especially salmon), garlic, green leafy vegetables, legumes, raw nuts and seeds, soy products, whole grains, and yogurt. These foods supply valuable minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are depleted by stress. Q Try eating small, frequent meals rather than the traditional three meals a day.

Earl Mindell's Secret Remedies Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Unfortunately, there have been reports of ephedra abuse by some teenagers who are looking to get high. If you use ephedra, you should do so only for a very limited time under the supervision of your physician and/or natural healer. (People with diabetes or high blood pressure should avoid ephedra, as should pregnant women.) Ginseng: Ginseng can raise blood pressure in some people. If you have high blood pressure, check with your physician or natural healer before using ginseng. Magnesium and potassium: Magnesium and potassium supplements should not be taken by people with kidney disease.

Western medicine's use of the herb began in 1923 when a compound found in ephedra, ephedrine, was demonstrated to possess a number of pharmacological effects and was soon synthesized. Since then, ephedrine has been used since for symptomatic relief for asthma, hay fever, and runny nose. (If you use ephedra products, you should do so under the supervision of your physician or natural healer. If taken in high enough doses, ephedra can cause fatal heart problems.

Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Nonprescription Help One of the reasons that ephedra became so popular was that there were only a few other choices available without a prescription. The most popular over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss ingredient was a decongestant called phenylpropanolamine, or PPA for short. In its heyday during the 1970s and 1980s, Dexatrim was one of the most popular brands. PPA was not as safe as most dieters assumed, however. As early as 1980, British researchers had raised a red flag.

Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives: A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients Vitamin E Ruth Winter See book keywords and concepts

EPHEDRA • ephedra gerardiana. E. trifurca. E. sinica. E. ephedra equisetina. E. helvetica. Ma Huang. Mormon Tea. There are about forty species of this herb mentioned in ancient scriptures of India, and it was used by the Chinese for more than five thousand years. The stems contain alkaloids (see) including ephedrine (see). Herbalists use the herb to treat arthritis, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, hay fever, and hives.

Living the Low Carb Life: Controlled Carbohydrate Eating for Long-Term Weight Loss Jonny Bowden, M.A., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

It is not—I repeat, not—for people with high blood pressure; for people who are sensitive to ephedrine or caffeine; for people who have any kind of heart, kidney, or liver problems; or for people who are on any medication, including over-the-counter meds (unless cleared by a doctor). ephedra works by stimulating brown fat metabolism, thereby increasing the bodily production of heat (upping your metabolism slightly) and by suppressing your appetite. The possible side effects are very annoying and include nervousness, insomnia, and possibly dizziness.

The Doctor's Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia Sheldon Saul Hendler See book keywords and concepts

American ephedra, which contains norpseudoephedrine, thought to be an even more potent central nervous stimulant than ephedrine, is ephedra nevadensis, also known as "Mormon tea" and "whorehouse tea." In Chinese traditional medicine, ephedra is used as an anti-asthmatic, a diuretic and for the treatment of allergies, among other disorders. Other folk medicines use it in similar ways. Ephedrine has pronounced stimulating effects on the central nervous system. It has a more prolonged though less potent action than adrenaline. It can cause blood pressure elevation and increased heartbeat.

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Ephedra sinica: The optimum dosage of ephedra depends on the alkaloid content of the form used. Each dose should have an ephedrine content of 12.5 to 25.0 mg and be taken two to three times per day. For the crude herb, this dosage would most likely be 500 to 1,000 mg three times per day. Standardized preparations are often preferred, as they have more dependable therapeutic activity. ephedra can be combined with herbal expectorants as described in this chapter.

Natural Health Solutions Mike Adams See book keywords and concepts

Even while ephedra was apparently so dangerous that the FDA declared it to be "dangerous at any dose," Sudafed was allowed to be sold to anyone, at any quantity, without a prescription. Sudafed, the FDA seemed to say, was safe enough to sell to anyone. So how can one form of a chemical be banned as "extremely dangerous" while another form is casually sold over the counter to consumers? To answer that question, ask yourself who makes money from each of these products. Over-the-counter drugs generate profits for pharmaceutical companies, which the FDA acts to protect.

Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives: A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients Vitamin E Ruth Winter See book keywords and concepts

Ephedrine alkaloids in dietary supplements are usually derived from one of several species of herbs of the genus ephedra, sometimes called Ma Huang, Chinese ephedra, and epitonin. Other botanical sources include Sida cordifolia. The proposed measures were developed based on the FDA's review of its adverse event reports, the scientific literature, and public comments reviewed by the agency, including comments generated by an October 1995 advisory working group public meeting and an August 1996 public meeting of the FDA's Food Advisory Committee.

Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to Hundreds of NEW Natural Products that Will Help You Live Longer, Look Better, Stay Heathier, ... and Much More! Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

One alternative being offered is so-called herbal Fen Phen, a combination of a thermogenic enhancer (such as the herb ephedra) and the antidepressant Saint John's wort. It makes sense that these herbs would be helpful for losing weight. We know that ephedra can speed up metabolism, which helps the body burn fat faster. In addition, Saint John's wort is reputed to be a natural appetite suppressant. As yet, there are no studies to confirm that these herbs will work well together. Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) HMB is among the most popular of the new sports supplements.

The Okinawa Diet Plan : Get Leaner, Live Longer, and Never Feel Hungry Bradley J. Willcox, M.D., D. Craig Willcox, Ph.D., Makoto Suzuki, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

In fact, in May 2003, Illinois became the first state in the United States to ban the sale of ephedra products, and other states are following suit. It's always a good idea to consult your physician before taking any herbal supplements, just as you would before taking any other medicine. As for herbs you have picked yourself, if in doubt of what they are, you can usually send them to your nearest herbarium or botanical gardens for identification. Often they will identify it free of charge, but you will need to follow specific instructions for proper handling. Better safe than sorry.

In all the cases cited, the people took ephedra together with either caffeine or drugs with cardiovascular side effects, such as theophylline and phenylpropanolamine. The FDA has limited control over the use of these types of products, since they're classified as "herbal diet supplements" rather than "drugs." So it's up to you to be a savvy consumer. As a rule, we believe that rational herbal medicine has fewer side effects than conventional medicine, as herbs are generally more diluted, but you have to be careful when an herb is removed from its cultural context.

Prescription Medicines, Side Effects and Natural Alternatives American Medical Publishing See book keywords and concepts

Ephedrine alkaloids in dietary supplements are usually derived from one of several species of herbs of the genus ephedra, sometimes called Ma huang, Chinese ephedra and epitonin. Other botanical sources include Sida cordifolia. Ephedrine alkaloids, as they are known, are amphetamine-like compounds with potentially powerful stimulant effects on the nervous system and heart. Hundreds of consumer illnesses and injuries associated with the use of these products have been reported.

The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Andrew Chevallier See book keywords and concepts

In North America, related species were used to treat fevers and relieve kidney pain, while in India, ephedra species were taken for asthma, hay fever, and rheumatism. Key Constituents ¦ Protoalkaloids (ephedrine, pseudoephedrine) ¦ Tannins ¦ Saponin ¦ Flavone ¦ Volatile oil Key Preparations & Their Uses Cautions Take only under professional supervision. Do not take if suffering from angina, glaucoma, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate gland, or overactive thyroid gland. ephedra occasionally causes side effects, including headaches, tremore, and insomnia.

The Constituents of Medicinal Plants: An Introduction to the Chemistry and Therapeutics of Herbal Medicine Andrew Pengelly See book keywords and concepts

Being both bron-chodilatory and nasal decongestant (due to constriction of blood vessels), ephedra is useful also in bronchitis, emphysema, rhinitis, as well as common colds and influenza. It is contra-indicated for hypertension, angina pectoris, hyperthyroidism, during pregnancy and where monoamine oxidase inhibitors are being used. Other alkaloidal amines include: • Colchicine—from Colchicum autumnale (Liliaceae), the autumn crocus. Both the alkaloid and the herb are beneficial in the treatment of gout.

Prescription for Natural Cures: A Self-Care Guide for Treating Health Problems with Natural Remedies Including Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Bodywork, and More James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Ma huang), which dilates the pupils and may increase eye pressure. Food to Avoid Fluid retention in the eye may be a response to food allergies. See the Food Allergies section to determine whether a food is contributing to your problem. If you find that consumption of a certain food makes your eyes red, irritated, painful, or tender, you must avoid that product from now on. Caffeine has been shown to reduce blood flow to the eye, so avoid coffee, chocolate, and caffeinated teas and sodas. A toxic liver may be related to eye problems.

Prescription for Dietary Wellness: Using Foods to Heal Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

Best: eucalyptus, chickweed, ephedra (ma huang), garlic, lobelia, mullein, myrrh, pau d'arco (herbal extracts). Also, flaxseed oil. Good: astragalus, bayberry, calendula flower, cayenne, echinacea, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginger root, ginkgo biloba, horehound, Iceland moss, licorice root, marshmallow, peppermint leaf, parsley, skullcap (herbal extracts). Also, primrose oil. Attention deficit disorder (ADD)/ attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) All fresh vegetable juices. No fruit juices. Best: ginkgo biloba, valerian root (herbal extracts).

Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century Earl Mindell See book keywords and concepts

Ephedra Known as ma huang in China, it is used as a remedy for asthma, colds, and other respiratory ailments. ephedra contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, two alkaloids used in many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications. It speeds up metabolism and is found in some herbal weight-loss formulas. CAUTION: If taken in excess, ma huang can have an amphetamine-like effect, causing rapid heartbeat and a dangerous rise in blood pressure. It should definitely not be used by anyone with heart problems. 142.

The Constituents of Medicinal Plants: An Introduction to the Chemistry and Therapeutics of Herbal Medicine Andrew Pengelly See book keywords and concepts

The two major alkaloids in ephedra form the basis of several proprietary prescription medicines, as well as the illicit amphetamine drugs. Issues of safety concerns and legal status, as well as uses both ancient and modern, have been reviewed in Herbalgram (Blumenthal and King 1995). Ephedrine is structurally simple, its aromatic skeleton deriving from phenylalanine, while an extra methyl group (CH3) derives from methionine (Samuelsson 1992). The basic structure occurs in several isomeric forms, one of which (a diastereoisomer) is pseudoephedrine.

Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives: A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients Vitamin E Ruth Winter See book keywords and concepts

Ephedrine alkaloids in dietary supplements are usually derived from one of several species of herbs of the genus ephedra, sometimes called Ma Huang, Chinese ephedra, and epitonin. Other botanical sources include Sida cordifolia. The proposed measures were developed based on the FDA's review of its adverse event reports, the scientific literature, and public comments reviewed by the agency, including comments generated by an October 1995 advisory working group public meeting and an August 1996 public meeting of the FDA's Food Advisory Committee.

Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts

In Western herbal medicine, ephedra is considered a reliable treatment for asthma and allergic conditions. As it is both a bronchodilator and a nasal decongestant, it is useful also in bronchitis, emphysema, rhinitis, and influenza. It is contraindicated for patients with hypertension, angina pectoris, and hyperthyroidism; in those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs (MAO inhibitors); and also during pregnancy. P-carboline Alkaloids P-carbolines are a widely distributed class of indole alkaloids found in 23 angiosperm plant families, 3 fungi genera, and a variety of animal tissues.

The New Detox Diet: The Complete Guide for Lifelong Vitality With Recipes, Menus, and Detox Plans Elson M. Haas, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Many people use these medications at the Symptoms Headache Fatigue Insomnia Colds, flus Allergies Constipation Diarrhea Indigestion Drugs Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen Caffeine, nicotine, No-Doz Tranquilizers, antihistamines Antihistamines, decongestants Laxatives, lubricants Kaopectate, fibers Antacids, Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer Stimulants, such as ephedra and Phertenmine first sign of swelling or discomfort, but they should only be used when necessary and after other more natural therapies are used.

The Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to Alternative and Complementary Therapies Barrie R Cassileth, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Diet pills that contain ephedra (ma huang), a potentially deadly herb. 2. Products promoted as cures for illnesses they do not cure: ?Essiac or mistletoe for cancer ?Pau D'Arco tea for cancer and AIDS. 3. Herbs sold to achieve street drug "legal highs" that cause heart attacks, seizures, psychotic episodes and death: ?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 : ?

The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants Michael T. Murray, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Western medicine's interest in ephedra began in 1923, with the demonstration that the isolated alkaloid ephedrine possessed a number of pharmacological effects.3 Ephedrine was synthesized in 1927 and since this time both ephedrine and pseudoephedrine have been used extensively in over-the-counter cold and allergy medications.3 Pharmacology The pharmacology of ephedra centers around its ephedrine content. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine have been extensively investigated and are widely used in prescription and other-the-counter medications for asthma, hay fever, and rhinitis.

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