Initially used to treat wheezing (Asthma), Ma Huang is an herbal plant with the primary active ingredient being ephedrine. Ephedrine accounts for 80 to 90 percent of the alkaloid content of the Ma Huang plant. Ma Huang is commonly available as a whole plant dried and powdered. Teas, extracts and supplements can also contain Ma Huang.

What is Ma Huang used for?

In traditional Chinese medicine, Ma Huang, or ephedra was used to treat colds, asthma, and other upper-respiratory disorders. Ma Huang helps lessen congestion by opening up bronchial and nasal passages. Ma Huang can also speed up the heart rate, raise blood pressure and have a diuretic affect.

Not surprisingly, several manufacturers developed weight loss pills containing the herb Ma Huang. These Ma Huang weight loss pills were marketed as helping people lose weight, enhancing their athletic performance and boosting energy. Ma Huang users reported feeling far more energy, which allowed them to increase their physical activity resulting in significant weight loss.

What happens if you take Ma Huang?

Most people experience no side effects when consuming a weight loss pill containing Ma Huang, providing the level of Ma Huang is low. However, at high doses, some people had serious enough reactions to Ma Huang to warrant comprehensive public health investigations. Serious side effects of Ma Huang usage include elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and interference with heartbeat rhythm and force. In extremely rare cases, there were reports of cardiac death related to Ma Huang usage.

Although still available and in use in many countries, in December 2003, the United States FDA imposed an Ephedra ban on the sale of all ephedra / Ma Huang containing products. Recently, the U.S. lifted the ban, which will now allow the sale of Ma Huang supplements with a daily dosage of 10mg or less. For order information and public availability visit www.EphedraEnergy.com This is the only company that actually offers the legalized pure form that can be safely taken daily. For more diet and supplemental information, visit our trusted partner site at www.DietWeightLossNews.org

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