A shrubby desert plant called TCM theory, used to release wind-cold from the exterior — broadly, for respiratory infections and asthma in cold conditions.">ma huang in traditional Chinese medicine, used for asthma and respiratory complaints for over five thousand years. Ephedra contains alkaloid in ephedra. Opens airways and stimulates the cardiovascular system. Pharmaceutical ephedrine is still used in surgery; supplement use of ephedrine alkaloids was banned in the US in 2004.">ephedrine, a compound that opens airways and stimulates the cardiovascular system. The traditional Chinese use (in carefully formulated combinations, for short courses, in ill people) is different from the supplement-aisle use that caused dozens of deaths in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The FDA banned dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids in 2004, after the death of a young baseball player and many others.

Long traditional Chinese medicine use for asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory infections — almost always in formulas with balancing herbs
alkaloid in ephedra. Opens airways and stimulates the cardiovascular system. Pharmaceutical ephedrine is still used in surgery; supplement use of ephedrine alkaloids was banned in the US in 2004.">Ephedrine, isolated from ephedra, was the source of pseudoephedrine — the same decongestant in over-the-counter cold medications today
Opens constricted airways — the basis for both the traditional asthma use and the original asthma medications
Pharmaceutical alkaloid in ephedra. Opens airways and stimulates the cardiovascular system. Pharmaceutical ephedrine is still used in surgery; supplement use of ephedrine alkaloids was banned in the US in 2004.">ephedrine remains in legitimate medical use as an injectable in surgery for blood pressure support

FDA banned dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids in 2004 after dozens of deaths — heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and arrhythmias

The 2003 death of MLB pitcher Steve Bechler at age 23 from an ephedra-containing supplement helped trigger the ban

Combined with caffeine (a common stack in weight-loss formulas) the cardiovascular risk multiplied

Pharmaceutical ephedrine for legitimate medical use is regulated separately and remains available

Pseudoephedrine in cold medications is a different molecule and behaves more gently, though it carries its own cardiovascular cautions

Traditional Chinese formula use of ephedra (under TCM practitioner guidance, in short courses, in formulas with balancing herbs) has a different safety profile than supplement-aisle use

If in doubt, use safer respiratory herbs — mullein, thyme, marshmallow — without the cardiovascular profile

Skip with any heart condition, high blood pressure, anxiety disorder, or thyroid disease

Skip during pregnancy and nursing

Skip with stimulant medications, MAOIs, or anesthesia

NCCIH — Ephedra · MedlinePlus Herbs & Supplements

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