Ma huang, also known as ephedra, is the plant most commonly used as a source of ephedra products. Ma huang is a popular dietary supplement in the United States and has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. Ephedra includes “ephedrine alkaloids,” which are naturally occurring compounds that are found in plants (Ephedra Education Council, 2001). The plant is found on sandy seashores and in temperate climates of both hemispheres.

Ephedra acts as a mild stimulant, with effects similar to those of caffeine. Ephedra products can enhance energy and, when used in conjunction with a healthy diet, they can als

o lead to weight loss. Ephedra has been used extensively for the treatment of asthma, and also as a natural decongestant and antihistamine (Brown, 1995). It has become a very popular ingredient in herbal combinations for allergies and hay fever. Since it is a stimulant which increases the metabolism and increases body temperature, it has been used to control weight and to help prevent sleep (Brown, 1995). One of the side effects of increased metabolism is an increased pulse rate and a slight elevation in blood pressure. Ephedra is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart problems, or thyroid problems.

I would never envision myself taking this product because I have enough energy to make it through a day and I definitely do not need to lose weight. Also I run competitively and if I were to taking this supplement it would show up in a drug test and I would be banned from competing. If someone in my family wanted to take this product, I would not be against it as long as they talked to their doctor first and followed the directions given on the label. From the research I have completed, I see this as being a relatively safe product as long as you follow the directions. But from my experiences, I know there will be people who think that if two tablets do this much,

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