Ephedrine

by: AimyD
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Ephedrine is the chemical derivative of the herb Ephedra sinica. Ephedra sinica is derivative know under the Chinese name Ma Huang. Ephedrine stimulates the central nervous system and cardiovascular system as well as dilation of the bronchial tubes. Products containing ephedrine uses the compound that is extracted from Ephedra or it may be produced synthetically. The FDA regulates ephedrine, as the synthesized form of ephedra. Ephedrine can be produced by chemical synthesis and in its pure form (ephedrine sulfate) is a bitter tasting, white, powder.

Stimulating the opening of air passages in the lungs of being used as decongestants for the short-term treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and certain allergic reactions Ephedrine and pseudo-ephedrine are found in many medications. These medications may be purchased over the counter or given in a prescription by your doctor.

Chinese used ephedrine for the treatment of respiratory infections and asthma. China is the worlds biggest producer of ephedrine since the ephedra grass is grown in India and China.

In the United States ephedrine can be found in health food and in many nutritional supplement stores. Ephedrine is used as weight loss supplements and is also used as a form of energy boosters and athletic sports performance enhancers. Ephedrine is also used to treat low blood pressure and asthma.

Ephedrine speeds up your heart rate just like exercising. While using ephedrine based products you will begin to lose fat and increase your muscle tone. For maximum results use before exercising and always have a well balanced meal.

In December 2003 the Government announced they were putting a ban on ephedrine stating the drug was unsafe. This ban was lifted in April 2004 after a company in Utah challenged the ban.

This company found that ephedrine was used in many of the dietary supplements you find at your local pharmacy. They also stated that this was used as a food and not a drug. After this was stated the judge ruled with The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), the FDA could not put a ban on this product due to the lack of proof that this as harmful to those using it as a dietary supplement as opposed to those using it as an actual drug.

Ephedrine is now used in more dietary supplements than before. Also, ephedrine is used in forms of nutritional supplements such as energy drinks, tablets and capsules to assist with weight loss.