I have heard so much conflicting story about Ephedra. I wanted to ask are you for it or against it and can you say why? I'm really interested to know this. This is the kind of subject that forums are for.

Ephedra or ma huang is used in dietary supplements to reduce weight, boost energy, and improve athletic performance. There is actually no evidence that it produces long-term weight loss. Researchers have known for years about the dangers of ephedra, which contains the chemical ephedrine. This was used as an asthma drug, until doctors stopped prescribing it because of its dangerous effects on the heart and blood pressure. The synthetic form of another ephedra ingredient, pseudoephedrine, is still used in many over-the-counter decongestants, which carry warning labels and are meant for only short-term use. Though especially risky for people who have high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, ephedra can cause serious reactions in even apparently healthy young people. It’s often combined with other stimulants, such as caffeine, which can amplify the herb’s effects and increase the dangers. Such products have been linked to deaths, including many young athletes, and many reports of serious health problems. A recent study found that ephedra was responsible for 64% of all reports of adverse reactions to herbs.

wasn't it banned a while back? it can't be banned now because i saw it on sale recently, but wasn't it banned for a time? if it's not banned anymore it must be okay don't you think? if it's being allowed again?

There's another thread about ehpedra that explains that the ban has been lifted now (thank goodness the FDA was defeated on that one). Given that the Chinese have been using ephedra for 5,000 years, it's a bit shameful that the FDA was so forceful in its opinion that any amount of ephedra is harmful!

I believe the dangers of ephedra and ephredrines have been exaggerated and most of the negative reports about it are scare stories more than anything. However having said that I have to say I am not a fan of it for weight loss because I don't think there's any evidence that it helps with that. I personally would not buy an ephedra product for weight loss, not because of some people suggesting it could be dangerous, but simply because for someone trying to lose weight I think it's unlikely that this is the answer.

I did Herbalife for a very short period a long time ago and I gotta tell ya- I did not like it, not one bit. My heart would race- not a comfortable feeling at all. The program sucked and was expensive anyways- I was ALWAYS hungry- but I did lose a little weight. And then gained it back again. It wasn't worth it.

These days I am a fan of good ol' fashion proper eating and exercise. :)

I really don't like any products which are stimulants intended to boost the metabolic rate. I know some people claim to have lost weight on herbalife and similar products, but I've heard of many who say they didn't lose anything. I really feel that these kind of products are not the best way of trying to lose weight and there are much better options. Ephedra may have useful effects but they are not really good for weight loss.

Ephedra or ma huang might have been used by the Chinese for 5000 years, but so has Opium. Doesn't guarantee that it's safe, does it?

Why do people rather pop pills than live a healthy lifestyle? If you stop being lazy taking the car wherever you go, give up your peanutbutter&jelly sanwiches, big burgers and coca cola, you'll lose weight naturally.

Well I think the point is that ephedra has not been used for that long anyway for weight loss. It may have been used by the Chinese for 5000 years but not for that purpose. It should be noted that it was not a popular weight loss ingredient until the 1980's. In other words, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine do not use ephedra as a weight loss ingredient and neither do the ancient texts describe this use.

Black Sheep or Kat,

If you're against "popping pills" as opposed to "living a healthy lifestyle" then why are you on the breast enhancement forum popping pills? I can use the same argument: Accept your body for what it is and accept the way it is naturally. Secondly, if you're so quick to insult anyone here who may want to get natural weight loss tips, then why don't you use your own advice and drop the PB&J sandwiches and start taking the car less to get rid of that cellulite you gained from popping pills to enlarge your breasts.

I don't pop pills for breast enlargement. Fennel seeds and fenugreek seeds are no pills. neither is soy and massage. Only if you live in the US, where AIR in pill form will soon be available. I bet the peanutbutter & jelly pill is already sold at Walmarts.

You said:
"I can use the same argument: Accept your body for what it is and accept the way it is naturally"

That is not a similar argument. I never said "Accept that you are fat", I said there are healthier ways to lose weight than using drugs - because that is what ephedra is.

For your information, I don't eat PB&J sandwiches, don't drive and don't have cellulite. And who was insulting who here?