Mormon tea is the dry, jointed stems of Ephedra nevadensis, a desert shrub. The family that gathers our Cota wildcrafts it by hand in northern New Mexico. Brigham tea, ephedra tea, and Nevada ephedra are the same thing. It has Ephedra, but no ephedrine, and no caffeine either. The sticks steep as-is, like any loose herb, and the brew comes out light pink, earthy and smooth.
The shrub is an evergreen of the arid Southwest: jointed green stems and almost no leaves. Native peoples of the Southwest drank it first; Mormon pioneers picked it up later, and their name stuck. The wild harvest runs out most years; the notify list on this page emails when it returns.
FAQ
Does Mormon tea contain ephedra or ephedrine?
It is an Ephedra, the American desert species Ephedra nevadensis, and it carries no ephedrine. The ephedrine species is the Asian Ephedra sinica, called ma huang. Ephedra is unrelated to the tea plant, so the stems brew caffeine-free.
Why is it called Mormon tea and Brigham tea?
Mormon pioneers in the Southwest brewed the shrub's stems; the Mormon name dates to them, and Brigham tea is another name for the same plant.
It looks like sticks. How do I brew it?
As it comes: treat the sticks like any loose herb, and if you want tidier measuring, break them smaller by hand or with scissors; no pulverizing needed. Amount, temperature, and minutes are under Brewing Instructions on this page.
Is it the same as your Navajo tea?
No: the same family gathers both in the same northern New Mexico country, but they are different plants. This one is Ephedra nevadensis, and it brews light pink, earthy and smooth.
Bring filtered or spring water to 212°F. Add 1.5 tsp of tea leaves to an 8oz cup. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and let steep 5-7 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Wild grown mormon tea (Ephedra nevadensis)
Origin:
Northern New Mexico
Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Discontinue use if you experience difficulty breathing, hives, or skin irritation. If you are pregnant or nursing consult your healthcare professional before use. Combining certain herbal products with prescription or over-the-counter medications may not be advised.
