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Ephedra is very different from ephedrine.
The drug in question is ephedrine, an isolated compound of the herb ephedra.
The herb ephedra has been used traditionally in China as a diaphoretic (makes you sweat) and a brochiostimulator, i.e. it opens up the lungs for asthma-type symptoms and expresses sweat to purge the body of pathogenic influences (viruses and bacterium). The dosage for ephedra (combined in a formula of moderating herbs) is 3-9g decocted. There are contraindications for high blood pressure and weakness that any qualified practitioner would take into account before prescribing. The antidote is atropine.
The compound ephedrine is a highly concentrated isolate that has none of the moderating effects naturally inherent in the raw herb. The isloated compound can have serious effects if used irresponsibly and the diet products sold have far more than the dosage recommended in the classic Chinese texts.
High dosage leads to heart palpitations, loss of appetite, sweating heavily, weakness or arrhythmias.
The regulation of the herb becomes tricky when the compound and the herb blur their lines. Responsible use is so unlikely in our country where excess rule and integrity goes out the window if there's a buck to be made. I'm glad I'll still be able to supply my clients with formulas containing ephedra if they require it. Next herb on the sh*t list is gentiana. Makes me frustrated.
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Believe nothing, even if I tell it to you, unless it meets with your own good common sense and experience. - Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)
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