Ephedra: It's Not Just For Weight Loss Anymore

Americans are buzzing about the FDA’s recent decision to reverse the ban on ephedra and ephedrine supplements in the United States. Known as the “world’s oldest medicine,” ephedra has been used for thousands of years for its variety of healing properties. While ephedra is not a cure-all, it is successfully used in treating hundreds of afflictions, including some that may surprise you.

When the average person hears the word “ephedra” they generally think of two things: “weight loss” and “banned.” The millions of people who have safely used ephedra to burn fat and lose weight were devastated when the U.S. ephedra ban was imposed in early 2004. The FDA was claiming a high death rate attributed to use (or misuse) of ephedra and ephedrine (the main “active” ingredient in the ephedra plant). However, further research showed that only five of these deaths could be attributed to ephedra use, so the ban was lifted. To put the number of adverse events into perspective, consider that over 12 million people reportedly used ephedra during 1999.

Ephedra has thermogenic qualities, which means it can be used to speed up the body’s metabolism. This natural increase in metabolism is what results in virtually effortless weight loss and has earned ephedra the nickname “miracle fat burner.” Unlike other weight loss products on the market, ephedra helps the body retain lean muscle mass. The thermogenic qualities of ephedra also improve the body’s ability to eliminate toxins (through urine and sweat), which can reduce unnecessary water retention.

What you may not know is that the ephedra plant has been used to treat a number of respiratory and circulatory conditions, including asthma, allergies (such as hay fever) and the common cold. Ephedrine, or the synthetic equivalent called pseudoephedrine, can be found in many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, including Sudafed. Ephedra is a vasodilator, which means it relaxes (or dilates) blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily, and allows nasal passages to open wider. In Chinese medicine, ephedra has been used for thousands of years to increase blood flow and improve circulation.

Athletes have used ephedra for centuries, since it helps build muscle and burn fat. Many people report increased energy and stamina while using ephedra, which increases overall athletic performance.

Ephedra is generally considered safe when adhering to the recommended doses. Since ephedra is a very powerful and effective supplement, you should check with your physician before using ephedra if you have any of the following conditions: anxiety, high blood pressure, glaucoma or heart disease. Do not take ephedra if you are pregnant or lactating. It’s recommended to check with your physician before beginning any weight loss program.

Since the ban was lifted so recently, only one company currently offers ephedra supplements online. You can purchase ephedra while supplies last at: http://www.BetaFuelDirect.com or http://www.EphedraBurnsFat.com

About the Author

Amy Grant is an avid fitness enthusiast who enjoys scuba diving, photography, and empowering people to achieve their goals.

Close Kept Secrets To Weight Loss
Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #1I am so grateful that you’re taking steps to take control of your life. You will be amazed when we work together how much you’ll uncover about yourself. You’ll understand how your thoughts have contributed to your being overweight and you will take daily steps to put together a new plan of action for yours...

How To Get Past A Weight Loss Plateau
Everyone who has ever been on a diet has hit a plateau at some point. It is that point where no matter what you do, you cannot seem to lose any weight. I myself have hit many of these and ...

Diet Tips -- Experience The Benefits Of Weight Loss
<h1 align="center">Diet Tips</h1><h2 align="center">Experience the Benefits of Weight Loss</h2>Do you really have confidence in the hundreds of diet tips published on the net? I don't. Most are just fluff...no substance, no real action to take, no real results. Each diet tip listed below is designed to provide you with at least one specific benefit from losing weight. However, to experience the benefits provided by the diet tips, all five must be com...