Just for information sake, but the two are *different*.
Ephedra sinica, or ma huang, is a natural herbal supplement, that's been used in Chinese tradition for thousands of years, safely and effectively. Mostly for asthma/bronchitis, allergies and as a heart stimulant. It contains many alkaloids which are synergistic to one another, icluding ephedrINE and others.
EphedrINE is a highly purified derivative from ma huang, isolated from the other alkaloids. It is a potent bronchodilator, but without the other alkaloids can cause serious side effects. Even in regular medicine, it is rarely used alone anymore (you'll notice cold and allergy meds have it combined with something else, usually pseudoephedrine). Pseudoephedrine, by the way, is one of the other alkaloids found in natural ephedra. Mother Nature knows best I guess.
I have no personal experience with either of these, but I know a number of others who have. Some have good success, others had to quit because of side effects, jitters and high blood pressure. Guess it's a case of YMMV.
If you want to give it a go, I say buy the smallest size package to try. If it's not helpful, at least you're not out a lot of money.
good luck
Doreen