Why was the herb ephedra banned from North America?!


Question:

Why was the herb ephedra banned from North America?


Answers:

Ephedra or Ma Huang has been part of the Chinese materia medica since before Jesus. However, like any medicine, it has it's recommended uses. Ma Huang is usually used in Chinese medicine to treat symptoms of influenza caused by exposure to too much wind and cold. These symptoms are joint pain, cold skin, and headache. Part of Ephedra's effects are to cause urination and perspiration.

Unfortunately the problem started when non-Chinese doctors started using Ephedra for purposes OTHER than the time-honored indications. Some people would market Ephedra as a cure all. Others would try to use Ephedra for weight loss due to the urination and perspiration. The problem is that Ma Huang or Ephedra isn't supposed to be used for other things other than treating flu symptoms. Hence, patients would get increased blood pressure, kidney problems and others.

But do they blame the people who misuse it? No, they blame the poor, misused herb.




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