What is Ephedra?
This is over 5000 years old Chinese herb and was under
extensive use for the treatment of Weight Loss or Fat
Burning due to its excellent quality of enhancing the
metabolism; reduce appetite and burning fat without
damaging muscles. However the US FDA later banned these
herbs after being found its side effects that led to
death in some cases. While burning the fat it used to
enhance the blood pressure and the heart beat rate resulting
in massive cardiac arrest. The herb Ma Huang’s
basic active ingredient is called Ephedra, which represents
Adrenergic Bronchodilators, the therapeutic category.
Ephedra
refers to several related species of herbs that commonly grow in desert
areas. It is best known as a botanical source of the alkaloids
ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and others. Ephedra species also contain
many other constituents. Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) has been used in
recent years in products marketed for weight loss, body building and
increased energy. The main chemical compound in Ephedra is ephedrine.
Chinese Ephedra or Ma Huang is a powerful herb that is the active
ingredient in high effective weight loss diet pills and supplements.
Many use the name "thermo", "lean"
or "fat burner".
Ephedra is effective component of many herbal formulas,
over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and weight loss product
on the market. Although it has been banned by the FDA
in the past, Ephedrine, and herbal versions such as Ma
Huang are still widely used in weight loss supplements.
What Is Ephedrine?
Ephedrine Hydrochloride
or Ephedrine Sulfate is the chemical derivative of the herbs like Ma Huang
or Ephedra Sinica and Ephedra which had medicinal use
about centuries back. It is a stimulant for central
nervous system as well as the cardiovascular systems
and helps open lung bronchitis.
Is Ephedra Legal?
A
Utah state court judge declared the FDA ban on Ephedra, Ma-huang, as a
drug wrong on of August 18, 2006. This means the FDA is entitled to
pose restrictions and/or limitations on sales of pills with Ephedra. However, the FDA won't be allowed to write their own restrictions as they have done in the past. Any
restrictions would be presented via a proposal. That proposal would
then have to be voted on and passed through both the House of
Representatives as well as the Senate.
Currently, this is only a recommendation since the FDA doesn't have legal control over the herb. For the moment, you can legally buy pills with ephedra in the United States, however, that could change at any time.
Ephedra
has been around and used for literally thousands of years... It's as
safe as, say, caffeine or alcohol - which is to say, anything can be
unsafe if used irresponsibly. Ephedra has terrific benefits when used
properly, and it's too bad that the poor judgement/actions of a few
caused the substance to be banned for everyone else.
Asprin,
synthetic pain medication, cold medicines, alchohol , and many
prescription drugs are far more dangerous. In fact if we use the same
guidlines as ephedra, the FDA needs to ban bananas, peanut butter,
chocolate, coffee, and nearly every concentrated extract and supplement
produced.
What is ECA Stack?
"ECA stack" is abbreviation for Ephedrine, Caffeine and Aspirin. The third ingredient, aspirin,
inhibits prostaglandin production outside of the cells, which, in
conjunction with caffeine, greatly prolongs the thermogenic effects and
increased metabolism by substaining elevated cAMP levels. The bottom
line here is ECA stack is the most effective weight loss blend!
How Ephedra Works?
Ephedra shrinks mucous membranes that help drying the
watery discharge and relax the blocked nasal passages
often caused due to common colds or flu tendency. Ephedrine
and Pseudo-Ephedrine are plant alkaloids creating the
medicinal values of Ephedra Fat Burners and are considered
the two basic ingredients of Ephedra. By interacting
neurotransmitter receptors alkaloids stimulate the central
nervous system and dialate bronchial tubes, enhance
blood pressure and raise the heart rates. These activities
produce maximum thermogenesis that increase metabolism
and stimulates weight loss too. To perk up the effect
Caffeine, Guarana and other ingredients are often compounded
with Ephedra in Diet Supplements.
Ephedra Side Effects
Traditional contraindications for
ephedra include general weakness, high blood pressure,
nervousness, sleeping difficulties, cardiac arrythmias,
poor digestion and heart disease. Ephedra's side effects
may be even more pronounced in people with anxiety and
restlessness, high blood pressure, glaucoma, impaired
circulation, prostate adenoma, pheochromocytoma, and thyrotoxicosis.
Additionally, excessive levels of Ephedra produce even
more problems. It may also contract the uterus, which
means it should not be used during pregnancy.
Additional Recommendations
With any products containing ephedra
or ephedrine alkaloids, it's advised that you start with
less than the recommended dosage. Take it with a meal
to test your tolerance of this product before increasing
to the recommended dosage. Do not take more than one product
at a time containing any central nervous system stimulants.
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