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Overview: Mormon tea is an herbal product made from the dried green stems of shrubs in the ephedra plant group, mainly Ephedra nevadensis and Ephedra viridis. These plants grow in the dry parts of western North America, and their stems are brewed to make tea. People often take Mormon tea for colds, kidney and urinary complaints, and as a general tonic, but its benefits are not well defined. Unlike Asian ephedra (ma huang), the North American plants used for Mormon tea have not been found to contain ephedrine, so Mormon tea is not thought to have the same effects. Before taking Mormon tea, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have and any medicines you take.

Uses

What is Mormon tea used for?

Mormon tea (Ephedra nevadensis) has been used for the following reasons, although the benefits are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed Mormon tea for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does Mormon tea work (mechanism of action)?

Mormon tea is an herbal product. It is made from the dried, jointed green stems (twigs) of shrubs in the genus ephedra, mainly Ephedra nevadensis and Ephedra viridis. These plants grow in the dry regions of western North America. The stems are brewed in hot water to make tea.

Many plants in the ephedra plant group, such as Asian ephedra (Ephedra sinica, also called ma huang), contain stimulant chemicals called ephedrine alkaloids. These chemicals can speed up the heart and the nervous system. Research on this plant group has found that the North American species used to make true Mormon tea do not contain these ephedrine alkaloids. Because of this, Mormon tea is not thought to have the stimulant effects linked to ma huang.

Mormon tea has traditionally been brewed as a beverage and used as a general tonic and for kidney and urinary problems. However, it is not well understood how or whether Mormon tea works for any health condition. The benefits of Mormon tea are not well defined. Evidence in humans is limited.

Herbal products, such as Mormon tea, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific Mormon tea product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store Mormon tea?

You should store Mormon tea according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Mormon tea?

There is not enough research to know what side effects Mormon tea may cause. Some people report stomach upset, nausea, or constipation, which can occur with strong or tannin-rich teas.

There may be side effects of Mormon tea that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Mormon tea?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Mormon tea are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Mormon tea may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Mormon tea and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Mormon tea?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Mormon tea.

  • Brigham tea
  • Ephedra nevadensis
  • Ephedra viridis
  • Mormon tea
  • Nevada jointfir
  • Popotillo
  • Teamster’s tea
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Mormon tea products they stock.

What should I know about Mormon tea before using it?

Mormon tea is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Mormon tea is available in several forms, including dried stems used to brew tea, dried ground stems or powders used to make capsules, and liquid extracts. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals naturally found in the plant. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep Mormon tea out of the reach of children.

Mormon tea is made from plants in the ephedra plant group. Some plants in this group, such as Asian ephedra (ma huang), contain a stimulant chemical called ephedrine. Dietary supplements that contain ephedrine alkaloids have been banned by the FDA because they were linked to serious heart and nervous system problems. The North American plants used for true Mormon tea are not thought to contain ephedrine. But because products can be mislabeled or made from a different ephedra species, read the product label carefully to confirm which plant was used.

Herbal products, such as Mormon tea, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific Mormon tea product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested Mormon tea products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Mormon tea?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Mormon tea is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Heart Problems, Stroke, or High Blood Pressure. Even though authentic Mormon tea is not thought to contain ephedrine, some products labeled as Mormon tea or ephedra may actually contain a different ephedra species with ephedrine. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or a history of stroke, talk to your health care provider before using any ephedra product, and read the label carefully to confirm the species used.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Mormon tea could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Mormon tea passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Mormon tea interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Mormon tea and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Mormon tea.

Does Mormon tea interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using so they can watch for any potential interactions.

The interactions between Mormon tea and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Mormon tea is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Mormon tea with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Mormon tea?

If you or someone else has used too much Mormon tea, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Mormon tea is available in many forms,including dried stems used to brew tea, dried ground stems or powders used to make capsules, and liquid extracts. Do not take more than the amount listed on the product label. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take Mormon tea safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.