2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Ephedra / Ephedra distachya L. / is a protected plant species in Bulgaria, respectively its collection is prohibited. It is a commonly used plant not only in medicine but also in sports, most often for weight loss. Many deny the use of ephedra due to some side effects. The positive qualities of ephedra make it a very effective herb.
Ephedra originates from Central China, Japan and southern Siberia. In our country it grows on dry, sandy places and stony places, mainly on the Black Sea coast. It is also found in the Sofia region, the Rhodopes, Strandzha, the Thracian lowland. Depending on the region in which it grows, ephedra has different concentrations of ephedrine.
Ephedra in the Chinese regions there is the highest concentration, while the content of active substances in ephedra, which grows in our country is very volatile. The above-ground parts of the ephedra - its roots and stem - are used for medical purposes.
Composition of ephedra
Ephedra contains the alkaloids ephedrine, norephedrine, methylephedrine; resinous and tannins; flobafen and others.
Selection and storage of ephedra
Ephedra is a protected plant, which is why its collection is prohibited. On the other hand, products and drugs with ephedra can be purchased in the pharmacy network. It is recommended that ephedrine preparations be prescribed by a doctor.
Benefits of ephedra
The healing effects of ephedra due to the ephedrine contained in it. Ephedrine is an alkaloid that has a similar effect to adrenaline, but less pronounced. Ephedrine raises blood pressure, speeds up and increases heart rate, improves blood circulation, stimulates the respiratory center, dilates the pupils and bronchi.
Ephedra used to treat low blood pressure, severe and persistent cough, hay fever and bronchial asthma, spastic bronchitis. The herb eliminates drowsiness. Pure ephedrine is used in medicine, but on prescription.
In the East are very popular anti-allergic and stimulant recipes with ephedra, ginseng, grandma's teeth, licorice, etc. In sports foods, ephedra has been added to some vitamin and protein supplements.
The combination of ephedrine, caffeine and aspirin is extremely common. This combination has been shown to work on people with well-built muscles and little fat.
Caffeine and ephedrine act as synergists (support), and aspirin enhances their action. The three ingredients taken together have a powerful effect on the nervous system.
Ephedra and fitness
Ephedrine is a powerful stimulant, which is why many exercisers use it. It increases the peristalsis of the intestinal tract and increases muscle strength. Athletes use ephedrine because of its positive effect on concentration and speed. Ephedrine preparations improve memory because they have a psychostimulant effect.
Harm from ephedra
Ephedrine has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, which is why frequent and prolonged use can lead to insomnia and nervousness, limb tremors, anxiety, palpitations and even hallucinations. Side effects such as nausea and vomiting, headache and dizziness are not uncommon.
Many extreme manifestations are excessive sweating, excessive libido and impaired vision. Ephedra It should not be used by people who suffer from high blood pressure, thyroid disease, psychosis and insomnia.
There is an incompatibility between ephedrine and some medicines. The combination of ephedrine with agents that affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems must be under medical supervision. Ephedrine should not be used with alcohol, because the consequences can be very dangerous.
