Caffeine is the commonly used name for trimethylxanthine, found in certain plants. It is most commonly ingested through the use of coffee, tea, and cocoa. There are other, less popular ways to ingest the substance such as guarana and yerba mate, two plants containing the alkaloid. Certain soft drinks also contain caffeine. The most common source of caffeine is within the coffee bean, the seed of the coffee plant. Caffeine is widely used, and in fact is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world. Caffeine is a CNS stimulant, and it increases alertness and wakefullness. Side effects include restlessness, dizziness, and headaches. It is commonly used as a substitute for sleep, which is an unhealthy way to use the substance. Caffeine’s effects usually last three to six hours. Its consumption can lead to tolerance of the drug’s effects without a higher dose. Caffeine is generally thought of as a safe thing to do, though the consequences of using it could be harsh.
Humans can become physically addicted to caffeine, much like they can become addicted to other CNS stimulants like cocaine. Caffeine also has withdrawal effects that occur when one discontinues use after becoming addicted. Headaches, fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, irritability and anxiety are commonplace as withdrawal symptoms of caffeine. As well, caffeine can have effects on fetuses and newborn children. In a study done on pregnant animals, the risk of learning problems and hyperactivity were common in rats and mice. Another study shows that women who consumed at least 300mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy gave birth to children with lower birth weight and head circumference when compared to women without any caffeine during pregnancy. Caffeine possibly is inhibiting the DNA of the developing fetus, causing these problems.
The reality is that people want, and sometimes need, the effects of caffeine in their everyday lives. People who work long hours and wake up very early most likely would benefit from caffeine’s alerting effects. But, there are the bad side effects to consider. However, there are other substances which can be used as caffeine substitutes – they cause the same “good” effects of caffeine but with lack of the bad effects. A number of herbal substitutes can be good for people and help feed the need for caffeine by providing a mild, caffeine-like stimulating feeling. The best substitute for someone who is quiting, in my opinion is ginkgo biloba. The extract from this tree is used to make pills that many people take daily. Energizing effects are felt from taking the substance, as it increases blood flow to the brain and gives people a sense of being smarter or feel more creative. The use of the tree has been around since ancient times in China. In these times, Chinese medicines made from the extract of ginkgo biloba were used to treat asthma and circulatory disease.
Another substitute for caffeine, also widely known, is ephedra. It is an herbal stimulant, with a long history of use in China. Many herbal supplements contain ephedra. In ancient China, it was used to treat asthma and hay fever. It is similar to caffeine because of its classification as a stimulant, and because of its effects on the CNS and other areas of the body, like the brain. It is often compared to having the effects of adrenaline. However, the use of the substance is not particularly promoted on a health status, because of the bad effects and other side effects. Side effects may include irritability, nervousness, dizziness, trembling, headache, and vomiting. At high doses, it can also cause stroke, heart attack and seizures. A physical dependence on the herb may also occur. The use of the herb is not encouraged because it is not quite available to the public, unless with a prescription from a doctor.
Yet another popular substance that simulates some effects of caffeine is ginseng. Ginseng roots are used to make an herbal tea, and it can also be smoked (although, the practice of smoking anything is definitely unhealthy). The practice of using ginseng for tea is another ancient Chinese medicinal practice. Both the Far East and the Native Americans used the herb to improve circulation and blood flow, aid in the immune system, and stimulate the body. Like coffee for many modern people, it is used to relieve stress and depression as well. The stimulating effects are quite comparable to that of coffee and other caffeine use. Negative side effects usually only occur at very high doses, and include high blood pressure, diarrhea, insomnia, and dizziness.
However, if one does not wish to use an alternative to their daily morning cup of coffee, they could always try decaffeinated coffee. While coffee itself is bad for the teeth, the lack of caffeine in decaf coffee is good for those who wish to quit their caffeine use, yet can not seem to give up that daily cup of coffee. It is recommended to use decaf in place of normal coffee, and to gradually lower the amount of decaf that is taken. Withdrawal symptoms may occur during use if one is quite addicted to caffeine, but exercise or another substitute may help to relieve these feelings.
Overall, caffeine use is very common, but not necessarily healthy. It is important that people try not to become physically addicted to caffeine, or take too much of it. After all, this substance really is a drug, and should be treated like one as well. It may not be as dangerous as a stimulant like cocaine, but it is a hazard if one cannot control oneself. If a person is taking caffeine for wrong, unhealthy reasons, they should try to cut off their use, or turn to healthier substitutes for caffeine like the ones mentioned here. The use of a substance in one’s body should be avoided if at all possible, but some people simply need to take things, whether for medicinal purposes like to treat disease, or for energizing oneself for early mornings and late nights. Caffeine and its substitutes are fascinating pieces of the puzzle of human life, and should be dealt with on that level, and not be taken lightly.
Works Cited
Caffeine. Retrieved June 7, 2006, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimethylxanthine
Haas, M.D., E. M. Nutritional Program for Caffeine Detoxification. Retrieved June 7, 2006, from Health World Web site: http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.asp?ID=2046
(2006). Erowid Ginkgo Biloba Vault. Retrieved June 7, 2006, from Erowid Web site: http://www.erowid.org/smarts/ginkgo/ginkgo.shtml
Ephedra. Retrieved June 7, 2006, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephedra
(2006).Erowid Ephedra Vault. Retrieved June 7, 2006, from Erowid Web site: http://www.erowid.org/plants/ephedra/ephedra.shtml
MacReady, N. (June 5, 2000). Ginseng May Enhance Immune Function. Retrieved June 7, 2006, from WebMD Web site: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/25/1728_ 58173
Ginseng. Retrieved June 7, 2006, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginseng
