Ephedra is actually banned in US!
Saturday, November 29th, 2008The plant ephedra sinica has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as treatment for respiratory related conditions such as asthma, hay fever and colds. This is because its ephedrine and pseudoephedrine content expands the bronchial tubes, which makes breathing better. However, these compounds also constricts the blood vessels, resulting to high blood pressure, it also stimulates the brain and increases heart rate. It also helps increase metabolism, which makes it one of the ingredients for weight loss supplements.While ephedra has been banned in the US, there are a lot of supplements that makes use of it as one of the ingredients. It is mainly used for weight loss supplements, in combination with caffeine, and for asthma to assist in trouble-free breathing. Its use for body building and increased stamina is yet to be proven, despite its wide use by athletes undergoing rigid trainings.