Can you get ephedrine over-the-counter?

Can you get ephedrine over-the-counter?

Ephedrine is available over-the-counter (OTC) as an oral medication in combination with the expectorant guaifenesin, and comes in the form of tablets, caplets, or syrup. It is not a replacement for prescription asthma treatments.

Where can I find Ephedra Sinica?

Ephedra sinica (also known as Chinese ephedra or Ma Huang) is a species of Ephedra native to Mongolia, Russia (Buryatiya, Chita, Primorye), and northeastern China (Gansu, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi).

What is the difference between ephedra and ephedrine?

Ephedrine is a chemical contained in the ephedra herb. Ephedrine has medical uses, mostly in operating rooms and intensive care units. Its chemical properties raise blood pressure and heart rate and open up the large air passages in the lungs.

Is it legal to grow ephedra?

ANSWER: Ephedra sinica, the herb also known as Ma Huang, is the one that was outlawed by the FDA and can no longer be legally sold as a dietary supplement. The major reason is the potential danger from the ephedra alkaloids, which are stimulant compounds that can represent an unreasonable risk of illness or injury.

What kingdom does Ephedra Sinica belong to?

Plant
Ephedra sinica/Kingdom

How much ephedrine is in Ma Huang?

Abstract. Ma-huang is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from Ephedra sinica Stapf and other Ephedra species, used to treat asthma, nose and lung congestion, and fever with anhidrosis. It contains 0.5–2.5% by weight of total alkaloids, of which ephedrine accounts for 30 to 90%.

How do you make Ephedra Sinica tea?

dried ephedra (stems), 8 ounces boiling water Pour water over the tea and allow to steep for 5- 10 minutes. Many find the taste unpleasant. Sweetening with honey or sugar is an option. Some recipes recommend adding milk to moderate the taste.

How do you grow ephedrine?

The Ephedra is robust and doesn’t need much attention. Plant the seeds around 68°F. Grow indoors or in a warm and dry climate, free of frost. It thrives in ordinary loamy soil and does very well in a loose rocky soil with full sun and a little water.

Where does the Ephedra sinica plant come from?

Ephedra sinica, also called ma huang, is a plant native to Asia, though it also grows in other areas around the world. It’s been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years (1, 2). While the plant contains multiple chemical compounds, the major effects of ephedra are likely caused by the molecule ephedrine (3).

Can you take Ephedra sinica if you have glaucoma?

Ephedra sinica – Stapf. Not recommended with high blood-pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease or inflammation of the prostrate gland. Avoid in glaucoma patients. Avoid if thyrotoxicosis – over-active thyroid gland.

When was Ephedra banned from the United States?

Dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids were banned by the FDA in 2004. Medications containing ephedrine and the ephedra plant are still available for purchase, though regulations may vary by location. The plant ephedra has long been used in Asian medicine.

Is it legal to take Ephedra over the counter?

Some ephedrine-containing medications are still available over the counter, though regulations on the purchase of these products can vary by state. Due to the substantial popularity of ephedrine-containing products prior to the FDA’s ban, some individuals still try to find weight loss products with this ingredient.