The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of ephedrine alkaloids in 2004 due to health risks including high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The herbal supplement is also known as ma huang in China and can stimulate the nervous system with serious side effects, especially if combined with caffeine, so be sure to consult your doctor prior to using it. Drugs.com states that side effects of using ephedrine include trouble sleeping, nausea, headaches and nervousness.
Weight Loss
Consumers have used ephedrine as a weight-loss aide. MayoClinic.com says that in short-term trials of one to 12 months, ephedrine seems to stimulate weight loss when combined with caffeine. Using ephedrine without caffeine doesn't seem to be as effective. Also, the amounts of ephedrine found in different commercial products vary widely, and no standardized amount is known to be safe or effective as a weight loss supplement.
Bronchial Dilator
Ephedrine dilates bronchial tubes for easier breathing for those with asthmatic symptoms. MayoClinic.com says that the action of ephedrine in expanding airways has been effective in both children and adults for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, due to the health risks with ephedrine, doctors recommend other treatments, including beta-agonist inhalers such as albuterol instead. When used in a nasal spray or wash, ephedrine may also aid breathing for those with nasal allergies.
Raises Low Blood Pressure
The action of ephedrine as a vasoconstrictor and to stimulate an increase in heart rate can help heighten dangerously low blood pressure when used in a hospital setting. However, MayoClinic.com says that any over-the-counter brands of ephedrine aren't properly regulated and may have unexpected effects on blood pressure, which could be dangerous.
May Aid Sexual Arousal
Women may experience increased sexual arousal from using ephedrine. MayoClinic.com says that some small studies suggest ephedrine helps stimulate arousal, but not enough is known to recommend the supplement as a sexual arousal aide. Mayo Clinic staff say that until more research into this action with women has been performed, using ephedrine for sexual arousal isn't recommended.
