Ephedra is dangerous substance for many and belongs on the banned list. More than 800 dangerous reactions have been reported with use of the herb. These include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and sudden deaths. According to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, ephedra products make up only 1% of herbal supplement sales in the U.S., but they are responsible for 62% of herb-related reports to poison-control centers.
As for Herbalife, it is a scam like many others including a relatively recent decision against them for deceptive practices.