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Ephedra
About Ephedra
The dangers and widespread use of dietary supplements containing
ephedra have been well-documented, and include mania, psychosis,
hypertension, racing heart beat, stroke, and heart attacks.
Many reported deaths have been attributed to this herbal substance,
and other adverse effects have produced permanent disabilities.
The users of products containing Ma-huang are increasing in
number, owing in large part to the fact that it is an herbal,
or natural, drug and thus is perceived as being safe, and
advertised by its promoters as same. Some individuals tend
to exceed the recommended dose when they are self-medicating,
and this can contribute further to adverse effects.
Ephedra Origins
Ephedra is found on sandy seashores and in temperate climates
of both hemispheres. The plant has stamens and pistils on
separate flowers--staminate flowers in catkins and a membraneous
perianth, pistillate flowers terminal on axillary stalks,
within a two-leaved involucre. Fruit has two carpels with
a single seed in each and is a succulent cone, branches slender
and erect, small leaves, scale-like, articulated and joined
at the base into a sheath.
About Ephedra
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