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Ephedra is thought to be the world's oldest herbal remedy.
It has been used since ancient times to treat asthma, upper respiratory
infections stuffy nose and watery eyes. In China, herbologists have used
Ephedra to treat asthma for more than five thousand years. Early Mormon
settlers in the US made "squaw tea" from Ephedra to treat
asthma.
Ephedra is nature's source of ephedrine, an
adrenalinelike drug that suppresses appetite, dilates bronchial passages
(as a bronchodilator), and stimulates metabolism, among other actions.
It may also be used to treat tuberculosis, emphysema, hay
fever and whooping cough.
It may also relieve headaches, rheumatism and arthritis
and may help to bring on menstruation.
Due to its unique combination of constituents, Ephedra
has a slight mental stimulating effect.
Two alkaloids that are naturally present in Ephedra are
used today in a number of over-the-counter medications for asthma,
bronchitis and allergies. The alkaloids have evidently opposites effects
on the body, but the overall action is that of balance and benefit.
The alkaloids of Ephedra may also be spotted as
constituents of diet formulas.
The dosage of ephedra
should be adjusted according to the amount of the ephedrine it
provides. A typical adult dosage is 12.5 to 25 mg of ephedrine 3 times
daily. It should not be used for more than 1 week. In view of the
documented dangers of ephedrine, medical supervision is highly
recommended when using ephedra.
Capsules:
Two to six #0 capsules up to
three times daily. |
| Decoction:
One cup up to three times daily. |
| Tincture:
One teaspoon up to three times daily. |
| Tea:
Pour 1 cup boiling water over ½ teaspoon of cut & sifted herb,
cover & steep 3-5 minutes. |
* Warning:
Seek advice from health care practitioner prior to use if
you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have high blood pressure, heart or thyroid disease,
diabetes, difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement or if taking an MAO
inhibitor or any other prescription drug. Reduce or discontinue use if nervousness,
tremor, sleeplessness, loss of appetite or nausea occur. Not intended for persons under 18
years of age. Keep out of reach of children.
1. Blumenthal M. A review of the botany, chemistry, medicinal uses,
safety concerns, and legal status of ephedra and its alkaloids.
Herbal Gram 34: 22–57, 1995.
2.
Physicians' desk reference for herbal medicines. Montvale, NJ:
Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998: 827.
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