Earthnotes
Herb Library

Back to Herb Menu     Back to Index

DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


EPHEDRA, AMERICAN
a.k.a Mormon Tea
(Ephedra nevadensis)
imageImage

CAUTION! Boosts metabolic rate; avoid with high blood pressure; excess use can cause death from overstimulation of the heart.
IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL AND USE EPHEDRA IN THE UNITED STATES!

PROPAGATION: By seed. Difficult to grow and grows slowly. Plant of the high desert of southwestern United States.
NEEDS: Full sun. Arid environment.
HARVEST: Large branches anytime and air dry.

COMMENT:
An ingredient in one of the over-the-counter brands of herbal tea. This particular blend is sold under the name 'Breathe-Easy'. Formula is well balanced and preferable to home devised versions. 7 Feb 2006: The ephedra may have been removed from this product.

MEDICINAL USES:
Stimulant (see Caution Note).
Has been Used to open lung passages. Usually used in the form of a simple tea.
As a decoction for respiratory problems: 6 to 9 grams of ephedra, 6-9 grams of cinnamon twigs, 6-9 grams of apricot seed, 3 to 6 grams of licorice; mixed; 1 tsp per cup of boiling water, steeped 7 minutes.



©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

top