Ephedra, the most effective weight loss product prior to the FDA's short-lived ban on on it. Some ephedra formulas contain as much as 25 mg's of ephedrine alkaloids.

Up until the short-lived ephedra ban, the industry estimated that 12 million to 17 million Americans were taking around 3 billion doses a year. Why? Because, ephedra, when taken as directed works!

In addition to ephedra's weight-loss benefits, many bodybuilders, athletes and others use this product for its energy properties.

Ephedra also has a diuretic effect and it alters neurotransmission to minimize appetite. The end result is less appetite and a faster metabolism. Some also report that ephedra suppresses appetite.

Recent studies with both humans and laboratory animals have shown ephedrine, the pharmaceutical derivative of ephedra, to be beneficial in promoting weight loss. The main mechanism at work is its thermogenic ability to increase the metabolic rate of adipose tissue thereby enhancing the body's ability to burn fat. Its weight reducing effects are greatest in those who have a low basal metabolic rate. [Tenney, Louise. Today's Herbal Health, 5th edition]

Ma Huang, a variety of ephedra has been used for thousands of years in the Far East in the treatment of colds. Some have used it for sinus problems.

Ephedra also contains fair amounts of such important minerals as zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium, iron and potassium as well as the vitamins thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), vitamins A and C. According to Dr. John R. Christopher, the minerals absorbed by ephedra (as well as other plants) are