BRIGHAM
TEA
(Ephedra viridis)
desert tea, squaw tea, joint fir, Mormon tea
Description:
Shrub, broom-like, resembling horsetail grass. The jointed green
stems and branches of some species reach the height of 7 ft. 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, male cones, having yellow pollen sacs. Found in arid areas
of the Northern Hemisphere, especially deserts of the southwest.
Edible,
Medicinal: Most commonly used as a pleasant beverage by steeping
5 min. The whole herb is used as a decongestant, and stimulant
to the sympathetic nervous system. Frequent use of the tea may
result in nervousness and restlessness. It should only be used
with medical supervision, particularly if suffering from high
blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or thyroid trouble.
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