Mormon Tea Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Mormon Tea is an herbal beverage made from the dried stems of Ephedra nevadensis, a shrubby plant native to the dry deserts and high plains of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant has thin, jointed, green stems and very small scale-like leaves, and it is sometimes called desert tea or Brigham tea.

It is most often used simply as a caffeine-free tea. Native American groups and early settlers traditionally brewed the stems in hot water and drank the result as a daily beverage or folk remedy. The name comes from its popularity among Mormon settlers who avoided caffeinated drinks.

It is important to know that North American Ephedra species like Mormon Tea are generally believed to contain little or no ephedrine, the stimulant found in the Asian herb ma huang (Ephedra sinica). This makes Mormon Tea different from the ephedra products that were banned in some countries.

The exact active compounds in Mormon Tea are not well defined. Unlike Asian ephedra, North American species are usually reported to contain little or no ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which are the stimulant chemicals responsible for ephedra's strong effects on the heart and blood pressure.

The plant does contain tannins and other plant compounds that may give the tea a slightly astringent, drying quality, which could explain some of its traditional use for congestion and minor irritation. However, these proposed actions are based mostly on the chemistry of the plant and traditional use, not on modern clinical research in people.

Mormon Tea is generally considered milder than Asian ephedra because it usually lacks the stimulant ephedrine. Still, the actual chemical content can vary between plants and products, and human safety studies are limited.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid, anxiety, or who are sensitive to stimulants should be cautious and check with a healthcare provider first, since it is not always certain how much stimulant-like compound a given product contains.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid Mormon Tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There is not enough reliable safety information, and plants in the ephedra family are generally best avoided during these times.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any herbal products you use, and choose products from reputable manufacturers.

When used as an occasional tea, Mormon Tea is not commonly associated with severe side effects in healthy adults. Some people may notice mild stomach upset or an astringent, drying feeling in the mouth.

Because the stimulant content of Ephedra plants can vary, there is a theoretical risk of effects such as a faster heartbeat, jitteriness, raised blood pressure, or trouble sleeping, especially if a product is mislabeled or contains more active compound than expected. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice a racing heart, chest pain, severe headache, or dizziness.

There is no established standardized dose for Mormon Tea. Traditionally, a small amount of dried stems is steeped in hot water and drunk as a tea, but the strength of homemade or commercial products can vary widely.

If you choose to use it, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them. Because the active content is uncertain, start low and avoid frequent or large amounts. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before using Mormon Tea, particularly if you have a health condition or take other medications.