Mormon Tea is a preparation steeped from the stems of certain plants native to the American West, often discussed in traditional herbal remedies. The common question is whether this beverage shares the stimulating properties of its botanical relatives. The confusion stems from the plant’s genus, Ephedra, which includes species famous for containing the alkaloid ephedrine. Understanding the specific North American plant’s chemistry clarifies the difference.
Defining Mormon Tea and Its History
Mormon Tea primarily refers to the species Ephedra nevadensis or Ephedra viridis, woody, leafless shrubs common across the arid landscapes of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Indigenous peoples of the American West utilized it for thousands of years as a traditional medicine. They brewed the stems into a tea for various purposes, including relief from respiratory congestion and as a general system tonic.
The common name, Mormon Tea, originated with the 19th-century pioneers who settled the region. Settlers adopted the practice of brewing the plant as a substitute for coffee and traditional tea, aligning with their religious guidelines against consuming caffeinated “hot drinks”. Historically, the tea was also used by frontiersmen as a purported remedy for ailments like colds, kidney disorders, and venereal diseases.
The Ephedra Genus: A Chemical Distinction
The confusion regarding ephedrine stems from the Ephedra genus, which is chemically diverse globally. North American species, such as E. nevadensis and E. viridis, are botanically and chemically distinct from their Asian counterpart, Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang). E. sinica contains high concentrations of the alkaloid ephedrine, a central nervous system stimulant.
The North American varieties are largely considered to be devoid of ephedrine, or contain only trace amounts that do not produce a comparable effect. While some reports suggest the presence of pseudoephedrine or norpseudoephedrine in certain American species, these are structurally different from ephedrine. For example, D-norpseudoephedrine is significantly less biochemically effective than ephedrine. This contrast explains why E. sinica has been commercially harvested for pharmaceutical purposes, while the American species have not.
Answering the Core Question: Ephedrine Content and Effects
The definitive answer is that North American Mormon Tea, made from species like Ephedra nevadensis, does not contain ephedrine in quantities capable of causing stimulant effects. The mild effects experienced are attributed to other naturally occurring compounds within the plant material. The stems of the American species are rich in tannins, which are phenolic compounds that possess astringent properties.
The high tannin content creates a drying effect that can reduce body secretions, explaining the traditional use of the tea for treating colds and ailments involving mucus. The beverage also acts as a pronounced diuretic, promoting increased urination. This diuretic action is often the most noticeable effect reported by consumers, contrasting sharply with the central nervous system stimulation caused by true ephedrine. Ephedrine acts as a sympathomimetic agent, mimicking the effects of adrenaline, leading to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and bronchodilation. The compounds in Mormon Tea do not produce this level of systemic stimulation.
Safe Consumption and Potential Side Effects
Mormon Tea appears safe when consumed as a beverage in typical food amounts, reflecting its long history of traditional use. However, the safety of consuming the tea in larger, medicinal quantities is not well established due to a lack of reliable information. Potential side effects include stomach upset, constipation, and increased frequency of urination related to its diuretic action.
Like other tannin-rich preparations, Mormon Tea can interfere with the absorption of other substances in the stomach and intestines. Taking the tea at the same time as oral medications may decrease the amount of the drug absorbed, potentially reducing the medication’s effectiveness. To prevent this interaction, it is advised to consume the tea at least one hour after taking any prescription or over-the-counter oral drugs. Furthermore, insufficient data exists to confirm its safety for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so consumption should be limited to normal dietary amounts in these cases.