Mormon tea, the most common name for several species of North American plants related to the Chinese ma huang species, is found only in the western United States. Ephedra nevadensis and Ephedra viridis are the most common species. Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers drank a lot of this, which accounts for one reason for the name. Perhaps it's because the other names have connotations currently unacceptable in our society. Squaw tea is one--the local Indians taught the Mormon pioneers about the uses of this plant. And before that (and before the advent of penicillin), it was commonly referred to by frontiersmen, miners, explorers, and others as whorehouse tea, due to its use in curing syphilis and gonorrhea and reported efficacy in inducing miscarriage. I'm happy with the term Mormon tea.
Time to harvest: Mormon tea can be harvested at any time and dried for later use. Most people have to make a special trip to collect it--it's not something you normally plant, and even if you could find it at a nursery, it grows too slowly to be used for medicine. I have acres of it and juniper, so I can just walk outside a hundred feet and pick whatever I need.
Alternative: Mormon tea is often touted as an alternative to Chinese ephedra, ma huang. However, the North American species do not contain any ephedra and there is no risk associated with its use like there is with ma huang. Its stimulant properties are due to tannins and alkaloids.
Medicinal uses: Mormon tea is an antihistamine and mild diuretic and it is high in calcium. It is especially effective in drying up mucus secretions to alleviate runny noses and scratchy throats. Historically, it has been used to treat:
- rheumatism;
- high blood pressure;
- colds and coughs;
- mild asthma;
- gonorrhea and syphilis;
- mild bladder infections and kidney ailments;
- osteoporosis.
However, it is important to note that while Native Americans and others used Mormon tea to treat venereal diseases, there is no research to support the efficacy of this use. Better stick with abstinence before marriage and fidelity afterwards.
Tincture: According to Stephen Buhner, the dried herb is tinctured in a 1:5 weight to volume ratio, in 50% alcohol. The dosage is 15-30 drops. It is best used in conjunction with other herbs.
Infusion: Pour boiling water over leaves (actually, they look a lot more like pine needles). Steep 10 minutes, covered. Strain, add sugar or honey, and drink.
Contraindication: Not for use by pregnant women in the first trimester.
Cautions: Use as tea is safe in moderation.
For further reading:
Stephen Buhner, Herbal Antibiotics, p 370.
Patrick Jones, The HomeGrown Herbalist, pp 103-105.
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/mormon-tea.html
https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_other/wo_AgricHandbook727/wo_AgricHandbook727_492_494.pdf
https://medicinalherbals.net/mormon-tea-brigham/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594322/
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13 march 2023
