Mormon tea
Scientific names: Ephedra nevadensis, Ephedra viridis
Family: Ephedraceae
Alternate names: American Ephedra, Brigham Tea, Desert Tea, Éphédra du Nevada, Gray Ephedra, Green Ephedra, Nevada Ephedra, Popotillo, Squaw Tea, Té Mormón, Teamster's Tea, Thé des Mormons, Thé Mormon
Background
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.
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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.Effectiveness
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.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Colds.
- Kidney problems.
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
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.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
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.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 27/01/2023 20:16:01 and last updated on 23/10/2020 02:02:53. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
