Ephedra "Energize" is a premium grade weight loss, energy and wellness supplement.* No fillers or binders are ever used. The product is lactose free and contains no bee products.

The following information on this page (with the exception of the vitamins and minerals) has not been evaluated by the FDA, and is an accumulation of the purported attributes of the herbs contained in the product.

Ephedra "Energize" Premium Blend of Ingredients

Dandelion (extracts)-
Native to Europe and Asia, this plant has been used medicinally since the tenth century. Dandelion is an excellent herbal remedy for diabetes and liver disorders. The plant is high in potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamine, riboflavin, sodium, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and other B Vitamins. It is also a great source of beta-carotene, from which the body creates Vitamin A. Dandelion provides more Vitamin A than most other greens. Dandelion has positive effects on blood cholesterol and can help regulate glucose metabolism. It acts to tonify and can be used as a mild laxative.

Hawthorn (extracts)-
Hawthorn (tree) berries not only have powerful compounds for the proper functioning of the heart but it is also said that the Buddha found the meaning of truth while sitting under it's branches. In world mythology various other spirits are associated with this tree. The Hawthorn is thought to be one of the best-loved trees by elves, pixies, and fairies that live in the safety of it's branches. Our findings of it's power lie in clinical trials of the extracts from her berries, leaves and blossoms, which show that Hawthorn contains compounds to protect and strengthen the heart. Hawthorn also improves circulation in the blood vessels of the heart, reduces blood pressure, and enhances the use of life-sustaining oxygen.

Green Tea (extracts)-
Green tea is a complex herb that has been harvested for more than 4,000 years. The large evergreen shrub is native to eastern Asia where it is has been used as a diuretic, headache reliever, and a curative agent for cancer. The herb's numerous properties contribute to its effectiveness as an antimutagenic, antioxidative, antimicrobial, and anticancer agent. Green tea's chemoprotective properties are effective against digestive tract cancers, skin cancer, and hepatic, pulmonary, and breast cancers. Green tea acts to fight cancer by increasing intercellular communication and boosting enzymatic activity, while inhibiting deleterious pathways that may lead to cancer. Green tea tonifies the nervous system and acts to protect the liver and kidney from disease. It lowers cholesterol in the liver and increases the HDLs (high-density lipoproteins… these are good fats!). HDLs are extremely important because they help regulate proper triglyceride levels.

Spirulina (organic)-
Ancient cultures were aware of spirulina's exceptional life-generating energy and held its remarkable energizing and rejuvenating properties in high esteem The Aztecs harvested this "superfood" into what they called "blue mud" from Lake Texcoco and dried it into loaves. The Aztecs considered it a "Sacred Power Plant." Priests and warriors sustained themselves (at times solely) on dried spirulina wafers. Naturally, NASA has considered spirulina as an ideal food to grow on space stations and has researched the possibility of using it on long-term flights. It would be ideal because it is one of the most efficient and fast-growing oxygen-generating foods. Containing over 100 synergistic nutrients, it's nature's richest and most complete source of total organic nutrition. Spirulina promotes longevity and provides excellent nourishment while it strengthens the endocrine system. Spirulina helps in regulating the body's metabolism and is an excellent food supplement. Spirulina is nature's richest whole food. The protein content includes all of the 23 amino acids the body requires. Spirulina inhibits viruses and enhances the production of antibodies. Spirulina contains high amounts of chlorophyll, methionine, vitamin B-1, B-6, vitamin E, and beta-carotene (pro vitamin A). Minerals within the algae are copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, calcium, potassium, and magnesium and biochelated organic iron. Spirulina is nature's richest whole-food source of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Studies have indicated that GLA helps lower blood cholesterol and high blood pressure and eases such conditions as arthritis, premenstrual pain, eczema, and other skin conditions. Phenylalanine associated with the algae acts to suppress appetite. Spirulina is nature's richest whole-food source of complete high-biological value protein. Its whole food nutritional properties make it easier to follow a low-calorie diet, without the energy draining nutritional deficiencies that cause many weight-loss programs to fail. Spirulina satisfies hunger because it fulfills the body's biochemical needs. DietBlends uses only PurePlanet Spirulina, widely recognized as the finest in the world!

Ginger Powder (organic)-
The rhizome, or root, of the ginger plant has been used as a spice and medicine for over 5,000 years. In Western herbal medicine, ginger is traditionally used as a spasmolytic (relieves spasm of the smooth muscle) and as a digestive herb. In Ayurvedic medicine, ginger is used to promote digestion and may be applied topically for headaches and toothaches and to improve circulation. Traditional Chinese medicine utilizes fresh ginger to treat vomiting, coughing, debilitating, sweating, and the common cold. The dried ginger is used to treat patients constitutionally (chronically) for conditions such as poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and pallor (abnormal paleness of the skin). Scientific research has verified that there are indeed several medicinal applications of ginger. It works as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory agent, digestive aid, and heart tonic (increases vigor and vitality). Ginger contains anti-platelet agents that lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Sometimes referred to as the "quintessential digestive herb," ginger possesses a unique ability to restore digestive balance in cases of ulcers, parasites, or nausea, or to realize full digestive potential. Its anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) effects are therapeutic for cases of motion sickness, morning sickness, and other types of nausea. In addition, ginger acts to increase the bioavailability of drugs, nutrients, and other herbs by as much as 100%.

Ma Huang (Epehedra)-
(8% Ephedrine Alkaloids) Ephedra sineca- One of the most important, yet misrepresented herbs in the world, a vital ingredient of the weight loss/energy formulation, but often overused. This herb has been cultivated in Chinese gardens for more than 5,000 years. It is traditionally used for asthma and hay fever. The stems of this herb contain two primary alkaloids, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. These are both central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They stimulate the sympathetic nervous system to bring about an increase in the basal metabolic rate (BMR). The BMR represents the energy required to carry out the normal body functions such as respiration and blood flow. With sympathetic increase there is a decrease in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for appetite and sedentary activity. The end result of Ma Huang is increased energy and appetite suppression. The CNS activity has been characterized as being stronger than caffeine and weaker than methamphetamine.

Potassium Iodide-
The body contains 20-30 mg of iodine, more than 75% of which is found in the thyroid gland. Iodine is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones-one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is lack of iodine in a person's diet. Many people with low iodine levels suffer from fatigue, since an improperly functioning thyroid gland lowers energy levels.

Siberian Ginseng-
The chemical structure of this herb is completely different from that of American, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese ginseng. It contains eleutherosides, rather than ginsenosides. The pharmacological effects of Siberian ginseng are similar to other ginseng species; however, it stimulates a broader spectrum of immune activity. The "zip" that is created with ginseng is often paired with excitability and has the potential to create stress. Siberian ginseng will not produce such stress; in fact, it is an excellent adaptogen, increasing the body's ability to resist and endure stress. Controlled experiments indicate a dramatic reduction of total disease occurrence associated with this herb. In studies involving the Russian Olympic Athletes, it was documented that Siberian Ginseng also improves reaction time and stamina.

Selenium-
Plays a critical role in ridding the body of toxic substances and protecting the cells from their potentially harmful effects. It is the essential component of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme present in most cells that chemically detoxifies hydrogen peroxide and other reactive oxygen intermediates produced in everyday metabolism. The antioxidant properties of this nutrient are associated with a reduced risk for cancer (particularly lung and intestinal cancers) and cardiovascular disease. Selenium decreases sensitivity to environmental toxins and is used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of cancer. In addition, selenium has been used therapeutically to treat allergies, viral infections, arthritis, heavy metal toxicity, cataracts, macular degeneration, and muscular dystrophy.

Also:

Vitamin E-
An excellent antioxidant that protects cell membranes from the damage of oxidation. Oxidation is caused by ingesting toxins and environmental pollutants, and from free radicals produced as waste products of metabolism. By protecting the cell membranes this vitamin delays the process of aging and protects the liver from environmental pollutants. Vitamin E works with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and selenium to rid the body of carcinogens.

Magnesium (Glycinate)-
This cation (charged particle) plays an important regulatory role in the body. The absorption of calcium depends on the presence of magnesium. Calcium provides structural integrity for teeth and bones. Magnesium regulates the contractions of the heart and helps it pump more efficiently, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. It functions as an important co-factor in glucose metabolism. It also helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscle within the blood vessels.

Zinc-
This element is involved in many important processes, such as immune functioning, and also plays a role in the function of insulin. Insulin regulates blood glucose levels after a meal is consumed. It is also important in the perception of taste and for vision.

Chromium-
Chromium (Picolinate, Nicotinate and yeast-digested) plays an essential role in the insulin receptor system, and is needed for production of the glucose tolerance factor which regulates glucose metabolism. This Chromium compound helps insulin bind to its receptor on the cell membrane. Chromium is needed for the metabolism of fat and cholesterol.

Panax Ginseng-
Ginseng has an ancient history and as such has accumulated much folklore about its actions and uses. The genus name "Panax" derives from the Latin "panacea," meaning "cure all." It is well known for its adaptogen and stimulant properties, which make its use amongst the weak or elderly beneficial. It has been used therapeutically for such conditions as tiredness, weakness, convalescence, debility, aging, stress, low resistance, poor metabolism, and lack of concentration. In Europe clinical trials have shown that Ginseng increased reaction times, visual and motor coordination, and alertness and concentration.

Guarana-
(Paullina cupana)- Guarana is extracted from a berry found in Brazil and other regions of the Amazon rainforest. The seeds of P. cupana contain twice as much caffeine as the coffee bean. They are crushed into a paste that is dried. When Guarana is ingested, it acts as a central nervous system stimulant that suppresses appetite. This extract has been used by natives of the Amazon for headaches, fevers, and cramps.

Potassium Chloride-
Sodium, potassium, and chloride are three very important elements found in the body. They regulate transport mechanisms across cell membranes, are needed for signal transduction (cellular process), and maintain fluid exchange between cells and the extracellular fluid that surrounds them.. It is important that a balance of these elements be maintained in the body as deficient potassium can cause electrical disturbances that result in heart arrhythmias. Though it is recommended that 5-8mg/day of potassium be consumed, most Americans consume only 2mg/day. A diet that is low in sodium but high in potassium is associated with the lowest blood pressure as well as the lowest frequency of stroke. In addition, adequate levels of potassium are necessary to promote proper function of the urinary system and to maintain contractile strength of smooth muscle in the body.

Nettle Powder (from leaf)-
Urtica dioica A plant protein called letin is produced within the leaves of the nettle plant. Letin stimulates the proliferation of human lymphocytes. Lymphocytes play an important role in destroying foreign pathogens. Nettle is a spring tonic that detoxifies the body's systems. The nettle plant has safely been used as a diuretic.

Vitamin B-6-
The master vitamin in the processing of amino acids-the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones. Vitamin B6 helps to make and take apart many amino acids and is also needed to make serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Vitamin B6 also aids in the formation of several neurotransmitters and is therefore an essential nutrient in the regulation of mental processes and possibly mood. To some extent, vitamin B6 lowers homocysteine levels-a substance that has been linked to heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease.

Vitamin B-12-
Needed for normal nerve cell activity, DNA replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance called SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, and some research indicates that individuals who are not deficient in this vitamin have increased energy after injections of vitamin B12. In one unblinded trial, 2,500-5,000 mcg of vitamin B12, given by injection every two to three days, led to improvement in 50-80% of a group of people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), with most improvement appearing after several weeks of B12 shots.