Elaine Jarvik's "Magic Potions" (Feb. 16), was fairly well-researched concerning herbal supplements. Herbal healing has long been a disciplined study and practice, including for Native Americans, my great-grandparents among them.

Jarvik wants to warn consumers against "wasting their money" on what some feel are false "miracle cures," "snake-oil," placebolike useless products, or herbs that do more harm than good. Yes, sometimes herbs can be misused, and some carry certain health risks. But herbs are very useful and effective.Herb education should be promoted. Ephedra, for example, contains two alkaloids, ephedrine and pseudo-ephedrine, that affect the sympathetic nervous system. It raises body temperature, can sustain energy with adrenaline and suppress appetite. It can be dangerous for folks with high blood pressure, heart problems or thyroid disease.

Native Americans drank Ephedra in Brigham or Desert Tea, similar to Asian Ma Huang. They used it for long trips, long winters or wartime. Now it's used in thermogenic "fat-burner" diet formulas. I worry that this good herb may someday go the way of chaparral - off the market.

Jo Lynne Awenita Harline

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Salt Lake City

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