What are ephedrine (ephedrine sulfate) alkaloids for?

A stimulant: Ephedrine (ephedrine sulfate) is similar to the stimulants the body makes itself - adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine, and does many of the same things - raises blood pressure and pulse, is a decongestant, appetite suppressant. Because of its risks, most doctors no longer prescribe it, and use pseudoEphedrine (ephedrine sulfate) (sudafed) instead as a decongestant mainly. It is still found in many herbal drugs, esp from china.