Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea)
- Aunt Plantsy
- Apr 15, 2022
- 1 min read
This native evergreen shrub is called Ephedra viridis. Common names include Mormon tea, green ephedra, joint fir, Mexican tea, Brigham tea, Popotillo, Tepopote, and Canatillo. My husband and I found an isolated patch of these while out getting firewood off of Highway 89. I was surprised because I thought they grew only in lower elevations with warmer temperatures.
Turns out their elevation is between 3,000 and 7,000 feet in zones 6 to 12. Habitat includes western deserts such as flats, basins, rocky slopes and hillsides. Growing conditions are in dry, alkaline soil and full sun. This is a medium-sized shrub that looks like a thicket of green, jointed, leafless branches with the stems looking broom-like.
PROPERTIES/ACTIONS: Antiasthmatic. Anti-inflammatory. Antirheumatic. Antispasmodic. Antitussive. Astringent. Bronchodilator. Decongestant. Diaphoretic. Diuretic. Expectorant. Stimulant.
MEDICINAL USES: Sinus congestion, bronchial dilator in limited capacity, hay fever, strengthens mucus membranes, urinary tract irritability, kidney irritability, Rhinitis, and upper gastric irritability. This species of Ephedra is much milder than the Chinese species, Ephedra sinica, because it does not contain ephedrine and contains only traces of pseudoephedrine; however, it does apparently contain enough sub-ephedrines to make a noticeable difference.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Use in moderation if pregnant due to the tannin concentration and potential uterine wall vasoconstrictor. Please consult with your doctor.
DOSAGE FOR TEA: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of herb per cup of water. Bring water to a boil with a tight lid, reduce the heat to low and decoct for 20 minutes. Drink 1 cup of tea, three times per day.
Sources used: Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest by Charles W. Kane; and https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetail.php?genus=Ephedra&species=viridis
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