Description
Depending on species, Mormon tea varies in size. Some species are low-growing and often prostrate. Others like Ephedra trifurca can develop sizable trunks and attain heights of 6-7 feet. Mormon tea’s thin, wand-like branches are its most visible identifying feature; they look to be large clumps of stiff-spiny grasses. Mormon tea’s branch color varies depending on species and season. Some are bluish-green, others are yellowish-green and so on. At each branch node, small leaves oppositely paired or in sets of 3 form virtually unnoticed. In the spring, small male and female cones are produced on separate plants; they are clustered around branch nodes. After the female cone is successfully pollinated 1-3 small seeds are produced.
Distribution
At varying elevations, Mormon tea is common throughout our western deserts. Look for the plant in many different topographies. Flats, basins, rocky slopes, and hillsides are some typical habitats for the plant.
Chemistry
Flavonoids: lucenin 1, vicenin 2, and an array of tannins
Medicinal Uses
Even though our western Mormon tea contains no ephedrine and only traces of pseudoephedrine, the plant still is useful as a sinus passage decongestant, and in a limited capacity, as a bronchial dilator. Apparently, Mormon tea contains enough “sub-ephedrines” to make this effect noticeable. In addition, the plant’s flavonoid content may contribute to these properties. Take the tea or tincture throughout allergy season for hayfever. Moreover, used before allergy season Mormon tea reduces allergic tendencies by strengthening mucus membranes.
Traditionally, Mormon tea has been used to soothe urinary tract irritability. The tea tends to calm bladder and urethral irritation and can be useful in diminishing kidney irritability through its soothing diuretic properties. In addition, the tea is astringing to mouth, esophageal, and upper stomach irritations. This attribute is common in many plants with substantial flavonoid-tannin contents. Surface membranes tend to be strengthened and inflammation is sedated through Mormon tea’s interaction with cell walls.
Collection
Throughout mid to late spring when new branch growth is at its peak snip the last foot of green growth. Chop these branch ends into smaller sections for tea or tincture.
Preparations and Dosage
Branch decoction: 4-6 ounces 3 times daily
DPT (50% alcohol): 30-60 drops 3 times daily
Cautions
Use in moderation during pregnancy. Due to the plant’s substantial tannin concentration, it has potential as a uterine wall vasoconstrictor.