Mormon Tea is a common desert plant in our area. It is found throughout the Las Cruces desert and hills, enjoying the company of mesquite and other native plants around us. It is traditional in native medicine of southern New Mexico; in Spanish it is called canutillo or popotillo. This medium sized shrub has no actual leaves. Its jointed green wand-like stems that are approximately the diameter of a standard pencil lead characterizes it. Each jointed stem is about 4 to 6 inches in length. In the spring, each branch node develops rusty colored pollen.

The English name, Mormon Tea, caught on when Mormon settlers were making their way West. They found that they could brew a tasty tea from the stems, and it became a popular thirst quencher when crossing the desert.

Mormon Tea is in the Ephedra species. It is related to Chinese Ephedra, Ma Huang. Ma Huang is on the FDA no-no list because it contains the stimulant ephedrine, which has been abused by some seekers of methamphetamine-type highs. Ma Huang is a good medicine, but like all things if used by the wrong person for the wrong reason it becomes dangerous.

Our native cousin, Mormon tea does not contain ephedrine. You cannot get high or harm yourself with it. Unlike Ma Huang it won’t elevate blood pressure nor will it cause anxiety or heart palpitations. It probably contains trace amounts of pseudoephedrine, as you would find in cold and sinus medication such as Sudafed.

This gives you an indication of its medicinal use. Particularly during allergy season it can decrease your need for allergy medication. It is a sinus passage decongestant and mild bronchial dilatator. So, for a stuffy nose and mild allergic asthma it will help open up your airways. It contains some tannins, too, which are astringent. Astringents tighten and tone boggy tissue. It works best if you start drinking the tea a couple weeks before allergy season sets in. It can also help relieve the symptoms of colds. It probably should not be used in pregnancy because of the tannins.

Traditionally popotillo is used for kidney and bladder problems. It is calming to urinary tract irritation. It is widely used as a "kidney flush." Popotillo is a mild diuretic; it increases the flow of urine, thus “flushing” the kidneys. It is used when the urine appears to be too concentrated. The concept is to flush out bacteria and stagnation that are causing congestion and inflammation/infection. It is not antibacterial. It is helpful for reducing irritation of the mouth, esophagus and stomach as well.

Late spring is the best time to snip the new branch growth, although it is OK to pick it other times of the year, too. Snip the last 8 to 10 inches of green "sticks." This can be easier said than done, as the little branches are fibrous, so be sure your clippers are sharp. Cut into inch-sized lengths and dry in a paper bag, in a dark, dry place for a couple weeks. For tea, place five to six little inch-sized stems in a pan, add about 12 ounces of water and bring to a boil and simmer a few minutes before straining into a cup. Do this two to three times a day as needed

Deborah Brandt is an RN and clinical herbalist at From the Ground Up, 339 N. Alameda Blvd., in Las Cruces. She may be reached at 575-523-2652.