Ephedra has been the center of controversy and debate recently, because
of its many adverse side effects and at one time the FDA even banned the
herb for a short time. The herb ephedra, also known as ma huang and
often described as the miracle fat burner – contains natural alkaloids
and has been used by the Chinese in herbal medicines for thousands of
years. Over the years, it has been used to treat various ailments, but
today it is best known an aid to helping with weight loss.