By Kenneth Berman ( This article first appeared in the Desert Valley Star Weekly January 21-27 2010 Vol.3 No. 4)
There is a novel and surreal sensation in researching a plant and then having the benefit of walking within twenty feet from one’s house to gather specimens for self-experimentation. I felt privileged that this was the case scenario with Ephedra viridis or Mormon tea as it is commonly called. This plant is not only native to the Hi-desert but is extremely abundant in the towns of Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley. I personally feel it is extremely important to experience something if one is going to teach others about the “experience”, otherwise it is solely regurgitated information with no real experiential foundation. I therefore gathered some of the plant and proceeded to follow the recipes I had come across in my research. Not much to my surprise there were definitely noticeable effects from the tea. I undoubtedly felt the bronchial clearing and stimulating qualities present – clearing both my mind and my lungs simultaneously.
- Family: Ephedraceae
- Genus: Ephedra
- Species: viridis. Sometimes labeled nevadensis
- Common Names: Mormon Tea, Bringham Tea, Miner’s Tea, Whorehouse Tea, tutut (Cahuilla).
- Description: A small shrub growing up to 4 feet in both diameter and height. Its lime green to deep green branches or stalks grow vertically and are segmented similar to the structure of Bamboo. The leaves are rather small and set in opposite pairs or triplets closely snug to the stalk. Often the live and dead branches are intermingled in clusters. The plants have imperfect flowers, meaning that each individual plant is either male or female.
- Habitat and distribution: Highly abundant and scattered throughout the Southwestern United States and south through Big Bend, Texas into Mexico. It is most commonly found in Hi-deserts and plateaus.
- History: There is evidence that this species of Ephedra had been employed by ancient Southwestern cultures from as far back as 1200 AD. The Cahuilla Indians of the Mojave were known to use this plant as a medicine. It was approved by the Mormons for its “medicinal” qualities by a big-wig Mormon named Bringham- “Bringham Tea” and then was later introduced to the whorehouses by a “Jack” Mormon- “Whorehouse Tea”. Note: Interestingly enough the active component is stronger than caffeine which the Morons are forbidden to consume.
- Active components: The alkaloids Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine and Norephedrine are said to be present, although several sources claim that the stronger Ephedrine is not present in this species. All of these chemicals are very similar to Adrenaline.
- Toxicology classification: Stimulants
- Legality: 100% legal. Note: The active ingredients (present in many “over the counter” cold remedies) are now controlled by the F.D.A. because of their use in the manufacture of Methamphetamine. Question: Is it just a coincidence that so many Meth-labs are discovered in places where this plant is native to?
- Traditional applications: The plant has been prescribed by native cultures for headaches, colds, fevers, breathing disorders and to control bleeding. A poultice prepared from the stems was applied for burns and skin sores.
- Contemporary medicinal applications: Bronchial dilator, diet regulator, cold remedy.
- Preparation: The stems and leaves are best collected in late summer when the alkaloids are in their highest concentration. They are dried and ground and the material is then prepared as a tea. Note: One teaspoon of the dried plant/ per pint of water – boiled for one minute and then simmered for a couple more produces a nice brew. Flavor with lemon and honey.
- Effects: A mild yet noticeable stimulant with decongesting qualities. Note: The more you drink the more stimulating and possibly TOXIC the effects become.
- Contradictions: Should be avoided by anyone with high blood pressure, heart conditions, insomnia or anyone using an M.A.O.I. Continued use can lead to nervousness, heart palpitations, insomnia, muscular convulsions or elevated blood pressure.