There’s a lot of confusion out there about “Ephedra” and “Ephedrine” and exactly what they are.

I wrote about this a couple years ago and it’s time to write about it again. There’s a lot of information so pay attention – here we go.

Ephedra is back in news again.

This time because of a decision last week by a federal court in Utah that struck down fda ban of Ephedra. First of all, herbal Ephedra was never banned. Ephedrine alkaloids were banned. Ephedrine is active ingredient in Ephedra. And Ephedrine alkaloids are synthetic super concentrated version of Ephedra.

The fda has stated that ban is still in effect for higher doses (above 10mg) of “ephedrine” products. And that agency is considering its options “with respect to next steps”.

There is a whole lot of controversy surrounding Ephedra Because it has been confused and misrepresented by those who are confused about what it is and is not.

Ephedra is an herb which is perfectly safe when used in quantities that meet U.S. mega-dosing laws. Just like it’s been used in Asian cultures for thousands of years for its health benefits.

And because it is a broncho-dilator actual herb Ephedra is one of most widely used and effective treatments for asthma.

Do you really think Asian cultures would use something for thousands of years if it was dangerous? Let’s give credit where credit is due.

Because to misuse of word Ephedra all of negative associations of Ephedrine alkaloids have been transferred to natural herb Ephedra. Including a number of deaths caused by synthetic Ephedrine alkaloids.

And this is how Ephedra has become demonized.

Pseudo Ephedrine HCL is found in nearly every over counter cold and decongestant sinus medication.