Ephedra

Overview

Ephedra is the world's oldest known cultivated medicinal herb. It has a pine-like odor and astringent taste.  Ephedra is a low-growing, relatively leafless shrub that grows to a height of approximately 60 - 90 cm.  It stems are green, slender, erect, small-ribbed and channeled. The stems terminate in a sharp point. Currently banned from sale in the USA.

Botanical Names

 Ephedra equisetina

 Ephedra gerardiana

 Ephedra intermedia

 Ephedra major

 Ephedra sinica (Joint Fir) This is the most widely used species of Ephedra for therapeutic purposes.

 All species of Ephedra belong to the Ephedraceae family.

Parts Used

 Dried young Stems and Branches

Note that Ephedra nevadensis (a North and Central American species of Ephedra) is dissimilar to Chinese Ephedra species in that it contains no Alkaloids and therefore has entirely different therapeutic (if any) properties.  It is commonly named Mormon Tea.

Metabolism

 Ephedra (when consumed in conjunction with (i.e. simultaneously with) Caffeine) may further potentiate the improvement in Athletic Performance caused by Caffeine. 

 Ephedra (especially when it is combined with Caffeine and Aspirin) is highly effective for causing weight loss (both in people afflicted with Obesity and in other persons) (due to the Ephedrine content of Ephedra). ^[1]

Nervous System

 Ephedra may stimulate the Central Nervous System (CNS) (due to Ephedrine).