Ephedra – a natural product, is believed to have medicinal properties, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5000 years, for treatment of various diseases. Ephedrine and Pseudo Ephedrine products are alkaloid derivatives of Ephedra.

The most common and effective use of Ephedrine was found after it became a popular appetite suppressant. The herb has been shown to stimulate the Thyroid gland thus increasing metabolic rates of the body. The derivative also stimulates the central nervous system, enhances blood pressure and the heart rate. These effects have a thermo-genic fat-burning effect which assists in breakdown of fat deposits. To increase the effect, Caffeine and other ingredients are often compounded with Ephedra in Diet Supplements.

The manufacture of Ephedrine diet pills is a multi million dollar industry across the world. Ephedrine is available on the internet through online retailers. Major brands of Ephedrine include Lipodrene, Blumpact, ECA Extreme and Metabotrol.

Ephedrine and other Ephedra derivatives have faced criticism due to alleged side effects and even death due to its use. Mild side effects like nausea, headache and irritability and serious side effects like drastic increase of blood pressure and heart rate, have been reported by users.

But this has not been able to deter the estimated 12 million Americans who buy Ephedrine products and use it as a dietary supplement to burn fat. Doctors claim, that dietary habits of Americans result in their being obese. Such Americans try to find short-cuts to lose weight with ephedra, due its properties becomes a favorite among them.

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