http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/lopez/1790997 The reason I put this here is because it has some good quotes by Rockets health and conditioning coach Anthony Falsone. It's good to know that the Rockets have somebody that cares enough to do research on this stuff and keep it away from our players. Maybe if the Orioles had somebody that cared like Falsone, Steve Bechler would still be alive...
I'm going to send a letter to the editor about this article, but I would also like to post it here so you guys can read it. I am a student of Chinese Medicine (will be a licensed acupuncturist at the end of this year), and it really irks me that they printed this. Not because of the content, but because they used the wrong word in it. This article is a prime example of irresponsible journalism. This is because they have used a "buzz-word" in a front page headline and throughout an article, rather than doing their research as to what the real problem is. <b>Ephedra</b> is the pharmaceutical name of a plant that is used extensively in herbology for very legitimate healing purposes. It contains hundreds of constituents that give it very unique medicinal properties. It is used to treat colds and flu, skin conditions, asthma, and other maladies. When used properly it is safe and effective. <b>Ephedrine</b>, on the other hand, is the name of <b>ONE</b> of the active components extracted from the <b>Ephedra</b> plant. It is the ingredient used in supplements such as the ones that are causing all of this uproar. It is usually added to these supplements in high dosages and concentrations, and, since it is a single component of the plant, produces a very focused and strong effect in its one area of action. This is a very dangerous and improper use of the chemical -- especially when used in a person that is not educated about its potential side-effects. Imagine that you drank some egg-nog with Nutmeg on it. Doesn't hurt you, right? Well, take the same nutmeg and extract the most active ingredient from it and if you concentrate it into a pill it could kill you. It's that simple, and it's a fact. Nutmeg has powerful oils inside of it that can also be used medicinally, but, if abused, can lead to shock and death. But, is Nutmeg evil? No. The active ingredient ephedrine that has been abused and marketed using deceptive advertising is causing the problem. But, does that make Ephedra evil? No. It is humans abusing it that cause the problem, and irresponsible journalists who would rather print a buzz-word than educate themselves before writing a potentially damaging article.
Great post Axeman. I hear there is some congressman trying to get publicity by taking an ignorant stance against Ephedra. I hope your letter gets published.
Axeman, in the 80s there was a product called Xcel that was purported to be types of ginseng, that had 5 different varieties with a "Athletic/Sports" dosage. That most definitely perked you up. Man, I did that all the time while studying, since it didn't give me stomach cramps like caffeine.
Axeman, I am impressed with your knowledge. Could you tell us the Chinese name of Ephedra if you know? Thx.
