Ephedra

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Symptoms: Their Causes & Cures : How to Understand and Treat 265 Health Concerns the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books See book keywords and concepts

The American species of ephedra lacks the active ingredient you need. Dr. Tyler cautions that ephedra will also act as a mild stimulant and should be avoided if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. Drink two cups a day until you feel better. What if It's an Allergy} If your doctor says your chronic stuffy nose results from an allergy, these are the basic treatments. Avoid the allergen. If you work outdoors, you can't avoid ragweed, but you can banish the kitty from the bedroom. Learn what you're allergic to, and learn to avoid it whenever possible, says Dr. Enberg.

Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND See book keywords and concepts

Shen Nung recommended the use of ma huang (known as ephedra in the Western world), for example, against respiratory distress. Ephedrine, extracted from ephedra leaf, is widely used as a decongestant. You can find its synthetic form, pseudoephedrine, in many allergy, sinus, and cold medications produced by large pharmaceutical companies. The records of King Hammurabi of Babylon (c. 1800 b.c.E.) include instructions for using medicinal plants. Hammurabi prescribed the use of mint for digestive disorders.

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

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. Kelp and other sea vegetables are said to increase metabolism by virtue of their iodine content and thyroid stimulation.

A popular combination includes an herbal laxative, an herbal diuretic, a stimulant herb like ma huang or ephedra, and an herb containing caffeine, such as guarana. These kinds of formulas should be approached with a great deal of skepticism, as the mix of several of these herbal medications along with physical exertion, and perhaps some dehydration resulting from excessive perspiration, have been linked to several deaths in teens at rave parties. Don't rely on any supplement to provide an answer to your weight concerns.

Herbs of Life: Health & Healing Using Western & Chinese Techniques Lesley Tierra See book keywords and concepts

The American ephedra has similar effects but is far less stimulating and so mUder-acting. As a diuretic it is more useful for treating water retention. 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.

Bottom Line's Prescription Alternatives Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA See book keywords and concepts

Again, let's remember that dozens of over-the-counter and prescription drugs contain synthetic versions of ephedra [e.g. pseudofed] and related substances, and the FDA hasn't created nearly as much flap about those!) If you've tried everything and your allergy symptoms are still affecting the quality of your life, look into desensitization (allergy shots). Minuscule amounts of allergens are injected in gradually increasing amounts so that your body can learn not to respond with an allergic reaction. Treatment can be expensive and take up to three years, but it doesn't work for everyone.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), 500 mg two to three times a day. • ephedra tea (for adults), one to three cups daily (if it makes you jittery or irritable, or if you have high blood pressure, don't use it). • Licorice root tincture to support the adrenal glands (follow directions on the container). The glycyrrhizin in the whole plant tincture is removed in DGL, which we recommended for ulcer and other digestive problems, but it's this substance that helps to fortify adrenal function.

Herbal products with zippy names and energy-boosting claims may be nothing more than concentrated ephedra, caffeine, or guarana, a South American herb that contains high levels of caffeine. Allergy and cold medicines may contain synthetic variations of ephedrine, such as pseudo-ephedrine (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.

Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About Kevin Trudeau See book keywords and concepts

In a very well orchestrated debunking campaign, the FDA has banned the use of ephedra stating it is dangerous. This was a very coordinated effort to get people to believe that a natural herbal supplement could be dangerous. This campaign is designed to encourage Congress to ban more natural remedies, as well as require supplements as harmless as basic vitamins and minerals to be classified as drugs and be sold by prescription and manufactured by the pharmaceutical industry. This is being touted under the guise of safety. Safety has nothing to do with it. Why?

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

Examples are Cytisus sco-parius (Scotch broom) and ephedra spp. (ma huang), both of which stimulate heart activity and raise blood pressure. They are contraindicated in many conditions and should not be considered tonics. LIFESTYLE AND RISK FACTORS A well-rounded program for strengthening the heart and cardiovascular system must involve more than herbs. A major influence on the development of heart disease is risk factors, or habits or traits that make a person more likely to develop a disease, whose impact can be minimized.

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

Class Examples Plant species Pharmacological actions Imidazole Alkaloidal amines Purine alkaloids Steroidal alkaloids Pilocarpine Colchicine Ephedrine Mescaline Caffeine Theophylline Cuaranine Solanine Veratrine Pilocarpus jaborandi Colchicum autumnale ephedra sinica Lophophora williamsii Coffea arabica Thea sinensis Paullinia cupana Solanum spp.

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

Bufotenine D-cathine d-cathine occurs in khat (Catha edulis), and is derived from ephedra spp. as a manufacturing by-product of ephedrine production. It acts as a central nervous system stimulant, mild euphoriant, and appetite suppressant. Fig. 8.26. Cathine ATjN-dimethyltryptarnine Found in the leaves of Prestonia amazonica, the flowers of the reed Arundo donax, the seeds and leaves of Piptadenia peregrina, and leaves, stems, and seeds of Mucuna pruriens, A^N-dimethyltryptamine demonstrates entheogenic activity. 29 It also causes hypertension and pupillary dilation.

Indian Herbal Remedies: Rational Western Therapy, Ayurvedic and Other Traditional Usage, Botany C. P. Khare See book keywords and concepts

Ephedra gerardiania Wall., Peganum harmala Linn., Periploca aphylla Decne., Rheum emodi Wall., Sarcostemma brevistigma W. & A.) Active principles and pharmacology Rue contains about 0.5 % volatile oil (including 50-90 % 2-undecanone), flavonoids (including rutin), furanocoumarins (including fagarine, arborinine, skimmianine, and others). Plant is spasmolytic due to the presence of ber-gapten, xanthotoxin. Rue oil consists mainly of methyl nonyl ketone (80-90 %) with a small amount of methyl heptyl ketone.

Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About Kevin Trudeau See book keywords and concepts

However, the FDA keeps saying how dangerous ephedra is. Every single nonprescription drug is dangerous! If you went into your medicine cabinet, took a drug, and took more than what the label said, there is a high probability that you could die. Every single drug is incredibly dangerous. This is not about danger, it is about who controls these products. The scary part is whatever the FDA says, it is presented as truth and no opposing opinions are allowed to be heard. Think about this. Two thousand people die every year by simply taking aspirin.

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

It is also a stimulant that increases energy (at least temporarily) and makes you more alert. ephedra is an herb that has traditionally been used for respiratory problems and in fact is an ingredient in many antihistamines. Several weight-loss products combine caffeine with ephedra and possibly other thermogenic agents as well. My advice is to use these products with caution. Keep in mind that one cup of coffee contains up to 120 mg. of caffeine, and many of these diet formulas contain that much or more caffeine in just one capsule.

Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About Kevin Trudeau See book keywords and concepts

The natural supplement ephedra was banned, but the pharmaceutical version, ephedrine, was not banned. The natural version was taken off the market, but the dangerous chemically produced synthetic version is still allowed to be sold. This shows how the FDA protects the pharmaceutical industry. • Drug advertising is everywhere. You see drug ads on TV, hear them on radio, and see them in newspapers and in magazines. Drug companies sponsor sporting events and fill our mailboxes with direct mail campaigns promoting their drugs.

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

Although ephedra can suppress the appetite and raise your metabolism, which may help lead to short-term weight loss, it can also cause side effects, including raised blood pressure, insomnia, seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and, possibly, death. A recent paper appearing in the New England Journal of Medicine reviewed 140 reports of cardiovascular and central nervous system adverse reactions and concluded that two-thirds of adverse health reports were definitely, probably, or possibly related to the herbal formulas.

The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs Mark Blumenthal See book keywords and concepts

OTC drugs) (Gurley, 2000). For a detailed review of the clinical pharmacology of ephedrine, see Tang and Eisenbrand (1992), and for ephedrine combined with caffeine and/or aspirin, see Heber and Greenway (2002). Human • Ephedrine and related alkaloids produce sympathomimetic effects, including vasoconstriction, increased heart rate, and stimulation of central nervous system (Weiner, 1985). • ephedra herb preparations are shown to produce dilated bronchi (WHO, 1999), and induce perspiration (diaphoretic), and diuresis (diuretic) (PPRC, 1997).

Additional herbs that are included in this book but not listed in this table are: chaste tree, eleuthero, ephedra, goldenseal, and horse chestnut. Herb Retail Sales ($) % Change From Previous Year 1. Ginkgo 36,033,352 -29.3 2. Garlic 34,695,496 -5.2 3. Echinacea 34,220,452 -22.3 4. Soy 27,517,698 -0.7 5. Saw palmetto 23,251,898 -9.7 6. Ginseng 23,145,712 -32.7 7. St John's wort 16,678,024 -38.8 8. Cranberry 1 1,555,961 11.8 9. Black cohosh 10,712,645 22.8 10. Valerian 8,509,827 -35.4 1 1. Milk thistle 7,633,630 9.7 12. Evening primrose 5,935,047 -I.I 13.

Recent evidence submitted to the FDA shows no association between clinically significant adverse events and doses of under 100 mg of ephedra alkaloids per day. An epidemiological analysis of the AERs showed no greater incidence of seizures, strokes, and myocardial infarctions (Mis) in persons consuming dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids than that expected in the general U.S. population. In addition, the FDA advises that AERs alone do not provide a scientific basis for assessing the safety of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids.

The conclusion of the expert panel was that the analysis suggests that there was no evidence of increased risk, even using the most conservative of assumptions. In September 2000, the OWH issued a report recommending that additional research be conducted. Additionally, recent clinical research suggests that ephedra, in combination with other herbs, can be used safely in persons with normal blood pressure levels. Peer-reviewed scientific literature suggests that the risks of caffeine combined with ephedrine are outweighed by the benefits of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

The proposal also called for the ban of so called "street drug knockoffs" containing the herb ephedra or ephedrine alkaloids, to be used as replacements for illicit drugs; such copies of drugs are illegal under federal law. The proposed rule was based primarily on approximately 800 adverse event reports (AERs) submitted to FDA. Industry, scientific and medical experts, and many consumers criticized the proposed rule, often noting that the AERs were not a valid scientific basis for rulemaking, as was established by the FDA's own policies.

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

Allergic reactions respond well to ephedra because of its action on the sympathetic nervous system. The ayurvedic herb Coleus forskohlii may be useful in asthma. The constituent forskolin raises cellular levels of cAMP, which results in relaxation of bronchial muscles and relief of asthma symptoms. Forskolin also inhibits the release of histamine and the synthesis of allergic compounds. See chapter 9 for a more detailed discussion of the possible mechanisms of action of this herb.

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

Ma huang, or ephedra, as it is commonly known, is a shrublike plant found in desert regions of northern China and Mongolia. The Chinese have used the dried green stems of the plant medicinally for more than 5,000 years, primarily for lung and bronchial constriction, edema, coughs, and shortness of breath. The active constituent, ephedrine, was isolated in the late nineteenth century and became popular with doctors in the United States in the 1920s for treating asthma and bronchial congestion.

Herbs for Health and Healing Kathi Keville See book keywords and concepts

Caffeine and derivatives of ephedra are added to diet and energy formulas that speed up your metabolism in an unhealthy way. These stimulants should be used sparingly or—even better—not at all. Several deaths have been linked to misuse of ephedra, so it's best to use this herb under medical supervision. Other herbs that affect the adrenal glands include gentian and vervain. Gentian can make your body more sensitive to the adrenal hormone adrenaline. It is safe for most people to use, but in Germany people with high blood pressure are discouraged from taking it.

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

Caffeine also increases urinary frequency and can lead to hyperactivity. °* ephedra (Ma Huang) This herb has been valued for its medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In traditional Chinese herbal therapy, it is used for colds, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and for its diuretic properties. It is known for its ability to relax the bronchial muscles. Ephedra contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, two nerve stimulants that act like the pharmaceutical epinephrine.

Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine Elson M. Haas, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Ephedra (ma huang) and echinacea are often used together. ephedra causes vasoconstriction, echinacea improves the white blood cell response, and both have been shown to lower IgE levels. Wild cherry bark, coltsfoot leaf, and mullein leaves are lung-strengthening herbs; white willow bark is an anti-inflammatory; cayenne supports circulation; and garlic assists in detoxification. Some other lung-strengthening herbs include pleurisy root, horehound, and licorice root. Licorice also supports the adrenals and soothes the digestive tract.

The Chinese herb ephedra is a stimulant like caffeine and can be used for transitions, though I do not recommend its regular intake as we still want our body's natural energizing functions to work. ephedra is found in a number of "natural" stimulant formulas. Herbal teas made from lemon grass, peppermint, ginger root, red clover, and comfrey can also be very energizing.

Rational Phytotherapy: A Reference Guide for Physicians and Pharmacists volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel See book keywords and concepts

While this dosage may appear to be relatively high compared to the total dosage of ephedra alkaloids for U.S. FDA-approved OTC drugs -i.e.150 mg/day for pure ephedrine and/or its salts and 24omgday for pseudophedrine and/or its salts, usually in the hydrochloride form (Blumenthal et al., 2003), this dosage is limited to the Commission E approved indication for respiratory tract disorders with mild bronchospasms in adults and children over six (Blumenthal et al., 1998). The maximum daily dose for children is 2 mg/kg body weight.

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