Did you know: as its name suggests, Mormon tea can be used to make herbal tea. Following the example of native peoples of the desert southwest, early settlers of this region boiled the young stems of this plant into tea as a remedy for cold and cough. Today, we know that the "active ingredient" in mormon tea is an ephedrine-like compound commonly found in the Ephedra family. An asian relative of E. viridis known as Ephedra sinica contains an ephedrine compound used worldwide to treat cold and hay fever.

This shrub is broom-like, resembling horsetail grass. The jointed green stems and branches of some species reach the height of 7 feet, although most are smaller. Two or three scale-like leaves grow at joints in stem and branches. Male and female cones appear on different plants, the male cones have yellow pollen sacs. Found in arid areas of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in deserts of the southwest.

It is most commonly used as a pleasant beverage & sometimes called Mormon Tea. Steep for 5 minutes. The whole herb is historically used as a decongestant & for the nervous system.

Also known as: Mormon Tea, joint fir, Squaw tea, tick tea, desert tea, miner's tea, teamster's tea, Mexican tea, popotillo.

Plant Part(s) Used: Aerial Parts.

Appearance: Light green to Tan.

Aroma: Pine like.

Taste: Pine like.

GMO Status: Non-GMO.

Allergen: None.

Additives: Free of any additives or preservatives.

Applications / Preparations: Can be put into capsules, teas, decoction or infused as an herbal extract.