Mormon tea is a common name for a tea made from Ephedra nevadensis, a small shrub that is native to western North America.
Contents
Uses
- People use it as a beverage and as a medicine.
- It is also used for colds, kidney disorders, and as a “spring” tonic.
Benefits
- As a medicine, people take Mormon tea for sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea.
- Mormon tea has quite a few impressive health benefits, including its ability to lower blood pressure, promote respiratory health, mitigate allergies, increase energy, boost the immune system and protect against kidney infections.
Cautions
- Mormon tea seems to be safe when consumed as a beverage in normal food amounts. But there isn’t enough information to know if Mormon tea is safe in medicinal amounts.Possible side effects include stomach complaints, kidney and liver damage, nose or throat cancer, increased urination, and constipation.
- Special Precautions & Warnings:
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Mormon tea seems to be safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts should be avoided until more is known.
Interactions
- Unknown, please consult your pharmacist.
Other names
- 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
References
OrganicFacts, https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/mormon-tea.html