Ephedra is also known as Ma Huang or Desert Tea. Although popularized within the last decade, it has been used for thousands of years for its remedial powers. Ephedra is a small evergreen shrub that grows to heights approaching 20 inches. It has long narrow stem with very small leaves. This shrub is native to Northern China and parts of Mongolia. It is most often found in desert climates because it grows best in well-drained soils. The stems of the ephedra shrub can be harvested throughout the year and dried for medicinal preparation.

Ephedra has documented use as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dating back over 4,000 years. As a TCM remedy, it was used to disperse cold symptoms and to aid in movement of the lung Qi - a pattern of illness in Chinese medicine. It was also used for conditions ranging from fever and chills, to promoting calmness and relaxation.

In Western medicine, Ephedra has been rigorously studied, especially its key constituent ephedrine. Since the discovery of ephedrine, most of ephedra’s usage pertains to this isolated constituent. It remains a common remedy for cold symptoms and is included within most decongestant medications (i.e. pseudoephedrine). Ephedrine may be employed for cough, bronchitis, asthma, and hay fever.

The key constituents in Ephedra include the alkaloids - ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, tannins, saponins, flavones, and volatile oils. The majority of nutritional supplements are standardized with alkaloids because of their wide use as a decongestant. The alkaloids are also commonly used for weight loss or in weight loss products, but are paralleled with the potentiality of abuse.

Ephedrine increases the metabolic rate of fat cells, dilates the bronchioles, and increases the heart rate by stimulating the adrenergic receptors. It can also stimulate the Central Nervous System, or CNS. When administered, ephedrine acts similar to epinephrine, or adrenalin, in the body. Pseudoephedrine acts similarly to ephedrine, but with less action on the heart and lungs. Both constituents stimulate the adrenal glands to release norepinephrine, and may cause adrenal exhaustion, which can result in long-term consequences.