Ephedra is a naturally occurring substance that is a member of a family of herbs called Ephedracae .It is called Ma Huang by the Chinese who have been using it for more than 4000 years to treat asthma and other respiratory diseases. Ephedrina, the main constituent works by stimulating the nervous system. Because of this reason it is found in many products that help in weight loss and work as energy boosters. Ephedra is therefore found in many performance enhancing drugs.

It works on the brain and suppresses the appetite. It stimulates the thyroid gland to increase the metabolic rate and thus helps you to reduce weight. Ephedra gives athletes extra energy without draining their reserves. A lean person may produce a 40% increase in energy whereas an obese person may produce only a 10% increase.

Ephedra is not recommended for use by people with heart disease, angina, high blood pressure, diabetes, insomnia, bulimia, kidney disease or mental health problems like depression, psychosis or anxiety. It should also not be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers.

You should use it as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Each dose is to be taken with a full glass of water. The recommended dose is no more than 100mg per day for not more than twelve weeks. The dose should not be more than 8mg per serving and should be taken after every six hours.

While using it you should not consume other products that contain Ephedra. You should also avoid products like tea, coffee chocolates cola as they contain caffeine which should not be taken while using Ephedra.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that Ephedra is harmful and on 12th April, 2004 banned all products containing Ephedra. It has known to cause high blood pressure, sleeplessness, nervousness and heart problems in many people. Studies have shown that the relative risks for an adverse reaction in a person using Ephedra to other diet pills are extremely high.

Ephedra is an abused drug that is found under multiple brand names and is often called the 'poor man's speed'. It should be used with extreme caution as its side effects negate the risk of weight loss. The FDA has recommended that consumers immediately stop dietary supplements containing Ephedra. It is best to discuss the use of one's herbal products with one's health care provider