Mormon tea is made from a plant, Ephedra nevadensis. The dried branches are boiled in water to make the tea. People use it as a beverage and as a medicine.
Be careful not to confuse Mormon tea (Ephedra nevadensis) with ephedra (Ephedra sinica and other ephedra species). Unlike these other plants, Mormon tea does not contain ephedrine, an unsafe stimulant.
As a medicine, people use Mormon tea for sexually transmitted diseases, colds, kidney disorders, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Colds.
- Kidney problems.
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Mormon tea for these uses.
Is it Safe?
The tannins in Mormon tea have a drying (astringent) effect and can reduce body secretions such as mucus. This might explain its use for colds. There isn't enough information to know how Mormon tea might work for other uses such as kidney problems and sexually transmitted diseases.
When taken by mouth: Mormon tea is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts as a beverage. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if Mormon tea is safe in medicinal amounts. Possible side effects include stomach complaints, kidney and liver damage, and constipation.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Mormon tea is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid consuming more than normal food amounts.
It is not known if Mormon Tea interacts with any medicines. Before taking Mormon Tea, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of Mormon tea depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Mormon tea. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
American Ephedra, Brigham Tea, Desert Tea, Ephedra nevadensis, Éphédra du Nevada, Ephedra viridis, Gray Ephedra, Green Ephedra, Nevada Ephedra, Popotillo, Squaw Tea, Té Mormón, Teamster's Tea, Thé des Mormons, Thé Mormon.
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