Ephedra

[Lanell]

also known as ma huang, is a popular dietary supplement in the United States and has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. [Ephedra] is a compound ofnaturally occurring compounds that are found in plants. Manufacturers are [required by law] to declare the amount of [ephedra] in each serving. (25mg per serving, or 100mg per day)
2) substance now banned thanks to former Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler. Bechler, who will never be confused with fitness guru [Jack Lalanne], died in 2003 of a heat stroke but was found to have ephedra in his system, along with a load of caffiene pills and pseudoephedrine. Because of his death and other claims, [the gov] is now in the process of banning ephedra in 3-2004. While some may argue in Bechlers familys side, some people casually miss these facts:

although listed at [239] in the Orioles media guide, when Bechlers ticker quit, he was 320 lbs(!!) (source CNNSi) at his autopsy.

Bechler was not accustomed to the warm S Florida climate.

he had a history of heart problems and a bad liver PRIOR to taking ephedra.

he was on a [liquid diet].

it was revealed at the autopsy that Bechler was abusing ephedra. From [the tox] report, it was revealed that Bechler was taking at least 3 tablets per serving, possibly more.

[Michiko]

An evergreen shrub of warm arid regions which has trailing or climbing stems and tiny scale-like leaves.

[Rihanna]

[My mom] takes it [all the time].

[Vania]

aka [sudafed]. A [chemical] similar to speed, but one that can be purchased [over the counter] as a decongestant.