Ephedrine Info

I was reading about Ephedrine today and boy did I learn a lot!

To be honest, I have no experience with Ephedrine or ephedrine-related drug, synthetic or in pure ephedrine form. In fact in my circle of friends, this term has a negative connotation to it. But today, I learned that some Chinese medicines are made of this! In fact, extract of the Ephedra Sinica plant has been used to treat asthma.

Not only that, in other countries such as the USA,

Ephedra and ephedrine are sold in health food stores under a variety of brand names. Ephedrine is widely used for weight loss, as an energy booster, and to enhance athletic performance. These products often contain other stimulants, such as caffeine, which may have synergistic effects and increase the potential for adverse effects. Ephedra is often touted as the "herbal fen-phen." Source

But with reports of adverse effect associated with the use of products containing ephedrine alkaloid, "the FDA proposed to prohibit the marketing of dietary supplements containing 8 milligrams or more of ephedrine alkaloids per serving."

Oh boy. So IMHO, it is always best to consult and seek the advise of your physician or healthcare practitioner for proper administration and guidance BEFORE taking health supplements. Or when taking prescribed drugs, it's always best to follow your physician's instruction to the letter.