Q&A

Where does Mormon Tea grow?

Where does Mormon Tea grow?

Native Habitat: Deserts; dry, rocky slopes & canyon walls; 3000-7500 ft.

What plant makes Mormon Tea?

Ephedra nevadensis
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).

How much ephedrine is in Mormon Tea?

Unlike these other plants, Mormon tea does not contain ephedrine, an unsafe stimulant.

How do Mormons grow tea?

Grow indoors or in a warm and dry climate, free of frost. It thrives in ordinary loamy soil and does very well in a loose rocky soil with full sun and a little water. It is most often propagated by division of the clumps in spring, and seeds sown in a light sandy soil in early spring.

Is it legal to grow ephedra?

ANSWER: Ephedra sinica, the herb also known as Ma Huang, is the one that was outlawed by the FDA and can no longer be legally sold as a dietary supplement. The major reason is the potential danger from the ephedra alkaloids, which are stimulant compounds that can represent an unreasonable risk of illness or injury.

Is it legal to grow Ephedra?

Why is Mormon tea called Mormon tea?

The English name, Mormon Tea, caught on when Mormon settlers were making their way West. They found that they could brew a tasty tea from the stems, and it became a popular thirst quencher when crossing the desert. Mormon Tea is in the Ephedra species.

What plant has ephedrine in it?

Ephedra sinica, a Chinese species of ephedra (ma huang), contains the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Ephedrine is an amphetamine-like compound that can powerfully stimulate the nervous system and heart.

Can Mormons drink Mormon tea?

Mormons are taught not to drink any kind of alcohol (see D&C 89:5–7). Mormons are also taught not to drink “hot drinks,” meaning coffee or any tea other than herbal tea (see D&C 89:9), and not to use tobacco (see D&C 89:8).

What kind of plant does Mormon tea come from?

What is Mormon Tea? Mormon Tea, is a beverage prepared by using the stems of a plant known as Ephedra nevadensis. It is foraged in the North American southwestern deserts, as well as in parts of Northern Mexico. The stems can either be fresh or dried before they are soaked in hot water.

What did the Mormons use the ephidra plant for?

Mormons make a tea from the plant and use it as an energy drink in place of caffeine. The Mormon, Brigham Young is said to have encouraged the Mormons to use the tea for certain ailments. The plant is also called Brigham Tea. Ephidra has also been used in weight loss drugs and there was some controversy regarding it’s use in recent years.

Are there any health problems with Mormon tea?

Physicians also warn of potential damages to the liver and/or kidney and stomach problems. Some studies have seen a potential link between Mormon tea and nose and throat cancer. Mormon tea has been known to absorb some substances within the digestive tract.

What kind of wildflowers are found in Utah?

Below are a selection of common wildflowers of Utah, including cacti and yucca – follow the links for more photographs and full descriptions. Utah is home to a great range of species, reflecting the many different habitats. Fragrant white sand-verbena