<\/grammarly-extension> <\/a> <\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nKnown as \u201cpopotillo\u201d in Mexico, it is used as a folk remedy, Mormon tea has a variety of names dating further back to when the European settlers discovered its healing properties. These names include Brigham Tea, Cowboy Tea, Whorehouse Tea, Squaw Tea, and Canyon Tea. The European-American’s referred to it as Teamster\u2019s tea. Both the names Mormon tea and Brigham tea reference the popularity of the beverage among members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (with Brigham Young being an early leader in the church). This is due to the fact that it a rare instance of an invigorating beverage that members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can drink, as it has no caffeine content. This makes it an ideal alternative to caffeine-laden hot beverages, such as coffee and traditional tea. It is used as both a beverage that people drink for the purposes of quenching their thirst and for its medicinal properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many first-time users of Mormon tea note its bitter taste. It is not uncommon for people who drink the tea on a regular basis to do so only after having become accustomed to the abrasive and astringent flavor that is caused by the presence of volatile oils, tannins and resin present in the chemical structure of Ephedra nevadensis. This is particularly true of the tannins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mormon Tea Benefits and Uses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nStimulant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs previously stated, Mormon tea has no caffeine content, but is often heralded as an energizing alternative to coffee and\/or tea for those who abstain from such beverages. Anecdotal reports of the effectiveness of the stimulant contained in Mormon tea range from \u201cmild\u201d to \u201cstrong\u201d. However, there is some debate as to the identity of the stimulant present within Ephedra nevadensis. Many reputable physicians and scientists claim that the component that gives Mormon tea its energizing properties is ephedrine, which is regarded as an unsafe stimulant for those with a heart condition. However, many other reputable professionals in the field claim that, in fact, Ephedra nevadensis contains absolutely no ephredrine and that it is the presence of norpseudoephedrine that gives Mormon tea its properties as a stimulant. Regardless, the amount of individuals commenting online attesting to Mormon tea\u2019s role as an alternative to other stimulants is numerous and it remains, by far, the most popular beverage among those who abstain from coffee or tea for either religious, ethical or health reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Colds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBoth clinical trials and the testimony of individual users attest to the ability of Mormon tea to clear up the symptoms associated with colds and\/or congestion. Scientists and physicians attribute this to the astringent properties of the tannins present. This treats colds by reducing bodily liquids that are secreted, including mucus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kidney Health and Diuretics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThough there is limited scientific evidence proving the effect of regular ingestion of Mormon Tea on overall kidney health, one of its most popular applications is for that exact purpose. As a stimulating beverage, Mormon tea offers some similar properties to its caffeinated counterparts. This is thought to flush out the kidneys. However, testing has shown that while its use results in increased output of urine, it is not to the extreme degree as other diuretics. These laboratory tests were conducted using both the traditional tea version of Ephedra nevadensis, as well as extracted fluids and infusions. It was found that the tea had superior diuretic properties than that of the alcoholic plant extract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Syphilis and Gonorrhea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOne of the most well-known uses of Mormon tea is its long-standing reputation as a treatment for sexually transmitted diseases dating back to the sixteenth century. So prevalent was the beverage for the treatment of venereal disease, that it became a favored treatment in brothels across the areas now known as California and Nevada. Due to the invention of penicillin, Mormon tea has fallen out of popular use as a treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis and gonorrhea. As such, there is limited knowledge regarding how effective Mormon tea is in treating them. However, it remains a staple among those who prefer to turn to folk medicine before being treated by conventional medicine. As of yet, there is no scientific explanation to which to attribute Mormon tea\u2019s effectiveness, but it still continues to be a popular traditional treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. It is generally recommended that individuals with outbreaks of sexually transmitted diseases look to a licensed physician in treating their symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weight Loss<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAlthough there is no clinical evidence that Mormon Tea has been used for weight loss there are some historical uses and anecdotal evidence that suggest it might aid in weight loss, which makes it worth noting. It’s not clear if it encourages weight loss because Mormon Tea suppresses appetite or because the stimulant effect kick starts the metabolism.