Tag: Mormon tea

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids from *Ephedra sinica* in 2004 due to severe health risks. While historically used, it's critical to understand the dangers before learning how to prepare ephedra tea using the illegal Ma Huang species and instead explore safe alternatives like Mormon Tea.

The use of ephedra, especially species containing ephedrine alkaloids, has been banned by the FDA in dietary supplements since 2004 due to serious health risks. This raises a critical question about the edibility of ephedra berries and the varying dangers associated with different species.

While the Ephedra genus is known for its stimulant properties, the American species most commonly referred to as Mormon tea, specifically *Ephedra nevadensis*, contains little to no ephedrine. This distinction is crucial for anyone considering its traditional use or modern consumption, as it lacks the powerful and dangerous stimulants found in its Asian counterparts.

Historically used by Native Americans and early Mormon settlers in the American West, Mormon tea is derived from the stems of the *Ephedra* plant and does not contain caffeine. So, what does Mormon tea taste like, and is this traditional beverage still relevant today?

Contrary to a common misconception, authentic North American Mormon tea, sourced from the species *Ephedra nevadensis* or *Ephedra viridis*, is naturally caffeine-free. This herbal beverage was historically used by early settlers and Native American tribes in the desert Southwest as a thirst-quenching drink.

Native American peoples and Mormon settlers in the Southwest historically used two distinct plants to brew herbal beverages. This fact is critical to understanding the difference, as Cota tea is not the same as Mormon tea, despite common name confusion. The two teas come from unrelated plants and have different traditional uses and chemical properties.

In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids after linking them to serious cardiovascular and central nervous system adverse events. For those interested in their nutrition diet, understanding where you can find ephedra today requires navigating complex regulations and significant health warnings.