Herb library · Herb · Ephedra sinica
Ephedra
A shrub (ma huang) whose stimulant compounds were once sold in weight-loss and energy supplements. The FDA banned dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids in 2004 because of serious risks, including heart attack, stroke and seizure.
Serious warning
The FDA banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids in the United States in 2004 because of serious safety risks. Even at relatively low doses and in short-term use, ephedra has been linked to high blood pressure, heart attack, seizure, stroke and psychosis, and it can be life-threatening or disabling (NCCIH).
Traditional use
Ephedra has a long history of medicinal use in China and India for colds, fever, headaches, congestion, cough and wheezing. The herb usually comes from the stems and branches of Ephedra sinica. Before the 2004 US ban, it was an ingredient in supplements promoted for weight loss, energy and athletic performance.
What studies show
- Limited
Weight loss: before the ban, research showed supplements with ephedrine alkaloids (usually with caffeine) had modest short-term effects on weight loss. That benefit was judged not enough to outweigh the serious risks, and no studies looked at long-term weight.
- Insufficient
Athletic performance: the evidence was insufficient to reach any conclusion. Almost no new research in people has been done since the ban.
Be careful of
Cautions
- NoteIt can also cause anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, heartburn, trouble sleeping, irritability, nausea and personality changes. It isn't possible to know in advance who is at greatest risk.
- InteractionThere are theoretical reasons to expect it to interact with other stimulants such as caffeine.
- ConditionPeople with heart and blood vessel disease have been considered at higher risk of severe harm.
- PregnancyConsidered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and unsafe for children.
- Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.
From the old books
What herbals and dispensaries of the past printed. History, in their words.
“The latter body produces death in the lower animals by both cardiac and respiratory paralysis.”
“It is not likely to come into general use.”
Sources
- Ephedra: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 25, 2026
Reviewed September 25, 2026.