Ephedra

About Ephedra

The dangers and widespread use of dietary supplements containing ephedra have been well-documented, and include mania, psychosis, hypertension, racing heart beat, stroke, and heart attacks. Many reported deaths have been attributed to this herbal substance, and other adverse effects have produced permanent disabilities. The users of products containing Ma-huang are increasing in number, owing in large part to the fact that it is an herbal, or natural, drug and thus is perceived as being safe, and advertised by its promoters as same. Some individuals tend to exceed the recommended dose when they are self-medicating, and this can contribute further to adverse effects. The molecular configuration of ephedra is identical to that of amphetamine drugs, and probably just as expensive

Ephedra Origins

Ephedra is found on sandy seashores and in temperate climates of both hemispheres. The plant has stamens and pistils on separate flowers--staminate flowers in catkins and a membraneous perianth, pistillate flowers terminal on axillary stalks, within a two-leaved involucre. Fruit has two carpels with a single seed in each and is a succulent cone, branches slender and erect, small leaves, scale-like, articulated and joined at the base into a sheath.