What is Ephedra
The well-known Ephedra herb is widely used in Asia and is applied for numerous ailments. In ancient Chinese, it is also known as Mormon tea, sea grape, or Ma-Huang. The dried branches of the plant are infused with hot water and processed into a tea. Ephedra is also available in capsule form or mixed with other plant substances. The plants grow in dry and hot areas and are among the oldest psychoactive medicinal plants. The main component of Ephedra is the alkaloid ephedrine, along with other substances such as pseudoephedrine and tannins. The alkaloid content varies depending on the species and the time of harvest. Synthetic ephedrine hydrochloride is also available and used in cough and asthma medications. Ephedrine also has an appetite-suppressing and fat-burning effect, which is why it is contained in slimming and bodybuilding supplements.
Effect of Ephedra
In Asia, ephedrine or Ephedra is predominantly consumed in the form of tea. This is said to primarily have a bronchodilatory effect and to help with colds and respiratory problems. In addition, it increases energy for everyday life even more strongly than coffee or conventional tea. Many people compare its effect to that of speed or ecstasy, which is attributable to its amphetamine-like effect. Ephedrine has similarities to the hormone adrenaline found in the body and is chemically related to the group of amphetamines, leading to similar effects on the body.
The onset of action of ephedrine varies depending on the form of consumption. When consumed as tea, it usually takes about 30-60 minutes for the effect to kick in, while with capsules it is slightly faster at 20-40 minutes. The effect can last up to 8 hours, though this is rare. Ephedrine has various effects on the body, including stimulation of the circulation, increased drive and performance, appetite reduction, as well as slight relaxation and sexual stimulation in some individuals. Furthermore, it can increase the urge to move, alertness, and the need to communicate.
Weight loss aid
Ephedra is an effective weight loss aid because it stimulates the metabolism and thermogenesis in the body. By taking Ephedra, the body can burn more calories, which can lead to significant weight loss. It can also reduce appetite and increase energy levels, which can lead to increased activity and more exercise.
However, it is important to note that Ephedra is not suitable for everyone. People with high blood pressure or those who are sensitive to stimulants should be cautious and consult their doctor before taking Ephedra. There is a risk of side effects such as palpitations, increased blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and anxiety disorders.
Treatment of respiratory diseases
Ephedra is a plant that is used particularly in traditional medicine for the treatment of respiratory diseases. This plant contains the alkaloid ephedrine, which has a bronchodilatory effect and can thus facilitate breathing in respiratory diseases.
Ephedra has been used for centuries in the treatment of various respiratory diseases. Ephedra has proven to be effective, particularly in cases of mild to severe bronchospasm in adults. By taking ephedrine, the bronchi are dilated, which leads to improved breathing.
The pharmacological properties of Ephedra and its active ingredient ephedrine have been intensively studied. It has been found that ephedrine has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. However, this can also lead to psychological changes. Therefore, the use of Ephedra for respiratory diseases should only take place under medical supervision.
Ephedra comes in various species, including Ephedra helvetica, Ephedra distachya, Ephedra viridis, and Ephedra gerardiana. It is the only genus of the family Ephedraceae and originates from the Old World. It is also frequently referred to as "Mormon tea" or "Brigham tea".
Overall, due to its contained alkaloids such as ephedrine, Ephedra is an important component in the treatment of respiratory diseases. It has proven effective in dilating the bronchi and facilitating breathing. Nevertheless, the use of Ephedra should always be undertaken with caution, as it can lead to potential psychological changes. Therefore, always consult a doctor before using Ephedra to treat respiratory diseases.
Short-term side effects
Palpitations, restlessness, sleep disturbances, dry mouth, and pupil dilation can occur even at low doses. With increasing dosage, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, insomnia, sweating, nervousness, and tremors may occur more frequently. In case of an overdose, confusion and paranoia can also occur.
Long-term side effects
Frequent consumption of Ephedra or ephedrine can lead to habituation or the development of tolerance, where higher doses are required for the same effect. It can also lead to feelings of constant faintness and sadness, sleep disturbances, and possible long-term consequences such as memory and concentration disorders, irritability, high blood pressure, dental problems, and damage to the liver and kidneys. Prolonged and intensive consumption can lead to psychological dependence.
Interaction
The combination of ephedrine with caffeine can intensify the side effects. The combination of ephedrine with alcohol can mask the effects of alcohol and lead to feeling sober even though one has a high blood alcohol content. This can strain the liver and kidneys and lead to dehydration. When taking MAO inhibitors, there is a significant intensification of the effect, which leads to severe strain on the circulatory system. Examples of MAO inhibitors include ecstasy, amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, and certain antidepressants.
Application in sports
It acts as a so-called sympathomimetic, meaning it stimulates the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the body, increases thermogenesis, and has an anorectic (appetite-suppressing) effect. The increased release of adrenaline and noradrenaline leads to increased fat burning and stimulation of the central nervous system with reduced fatigue and increased alertness. These effects explain the widespread use of ephedrine among strength athletes to increase training motivation and to support diets. The appetite-suppressing effect, in particular, helps athletes make their diet easier and improve diet results. Many experience a strength increase of 5-10% during training when taking Ephedra, especially in maximum strength performance. Another widely used application of ephedrine in bodybuilding is supporting a diet. It promotes thermogenesis in the body through stimulation of the beta-receptors. The fat-burning effect of ephedrine lasts longer than that of clenbuterol. The stimulatory effects of the substance decrease with increasing use, which is due to the known habituation effect. Ephedrine also exerts an anabolic effect during a diet. Thus, there is less loss of muscle mass in a calorie-reduced diet when ephedrine is used.
The use of ephedrine can trigger a positive drug test for amphetamines. It is considered a stimulant and is listed as a banned substance in sports.
Dosage of Ephedra
Due to legislation, there are no dosage or application recommendations here, however, there are numerous anecdotal reports regarding applications of 25 mg up to 200 mg per day; these are individual experiences and should be discussed with a doctor.