ephedra viridis

mormon tea

mormon tea

In the Ephedra family, but much weaker and safer than the famous Chinese Ephedra, with no side effects. Looks like bunch of green sticks with no leaves. Little mini bamboo-type sticks. Grows at higher desert elevations, snaps at joints, tastes like black tea. Stems contain pseudoephedrine, a weaker milder version of ephedra used for asthma and respiratory issues. Reduces mucus membrane swelling. Wonderful antihistamine and blood cleanser, great for allergies, hay fever, headache, nasal congestion, aching joints, cough, wheezing, astringent to stop bleeding. Great for heart, nervous system, lungs and kidneys. Even used for venereal diseases Make tea out of green stems. Young shoots can be eaten raw. Anti-viral, antispasmodic, diuretic, vasodilator, stimulant.