How to Make Mormon Tea: Foraging and Brewing

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If you’ve ever wondered how to make Mormon Tea, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll give you tips on how to forage and dry Mormon Tea (American Ephedra Spp.) from the wild and brew a cup of tea from your harvest.

two cups of desert American ephedra tea and stems on a wooden table.

Want to learn more about Mormon Tea or Brigham Tea’s traditional uses, history, and where it grows? Click here for an overview of American Ephedra.

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What You’ll Need
Foraging Tips
How To Brew Mormon Tea
FAQ
More Foraging Posts

What You’ll Need

The supplies to make mormon tea, stems, tea ball, cotton tea bag, small sauce pan, and two clear cups.

Fresh or dried stems of Ephedra (American species)

Water

Small sauce pan - Instead of steeping, simmering is best in my experience.

Tea ball or reusable muslin cotton tea bags

Scissors (if foraging)

Foraging Tips

a hand showing the woody stems of American ephedra.

You can harvest stems year-round, but best harvest time is Spring-Fall.
When harvesting Mormon Tea for personal use, snip green stems above the woody base. Leave enough stems on the plant so it continues to thrive — it’s a slow-growing desert shrub.
Harvest no more than a third of the plant.
To dry the stems, place them in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, or use a dehydrator on a low setting (around 95–115°F / 35–46°C). Drying usually takes about a week or so when air-drying, or several hours in a dehydrator, depending on humidity. The stems are ready when they feel brittle and snap easily.
Store stems whole and snap in smaller pieces when ready to brew a tea.

How To Brew Mormon Tea

Step-by-step brewing instructions

Measure out approximately 2 teaspoons (4 g) of dried Mormon Tea stems, or 3 teaspoons (6 g) if using fresh, per 6–8 oz of water.
Place tea in a pot with water, using a muslin tea bag or tea ball.
Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes.
Remove tea bag and pour into tea cup.
Serve as is or use sweetener of choice.

Recommended ratios and steeping time

Use about 2 teaspoons of dried herb, or 3 teaspoons if using fresh.

You can also watch for the tea to turn a reddish color- it will darken the longer it simmers.

Notes on simmering vs. steeping

Mormon Tea is a tough, woody plant, and simple steeping tends to make a weak brew. I recommend gently simmering to better extract the flavor.

Flavor Adjustments

After brewing your decoction, in a tea ball or similar, add a pinch of fresh or dried mint, chamomile, or other mild herbs to steep for a few minutes.
Lean into Mormon Tea’s natural pine-like flavor by adding a few pine needles during brewing.
Sweeten with a little honey to balance the earthy notes and enjoy a delicious, refreshing cup wild tea.

A top view of brigham tea next to a rock and stems.

Is It Safe?

Yes, I talk more about this in my American Ephedra article, but studies show that Mormon Tea does not contain any significant amount of ephedrine.

Michael Moore, in Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West, writes that you can make “a standard infusion as needed,” and describes occasional, short-term use — either as a simple beverage or as a medicinal tea for its respiratory support or mild stimulant properties. While he doesn’t directly state it's acceptable, his wording suggests that this type of use is considered reasonable.

That said, if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have a heart condition, be sure to consult a healthcare provider first. And as with all wild plants, start slow to see how your body responds.

FAQ

Does mormon tea contain caffeine?

No, mormon tea is caffeine free.

Is mormon tea legal?

Yes, all American species of mormon tea is legal. The FDA regulates the Chinese variety (Ephedra sinica), which is more potent and contains the high amounts of ephedrine.

What does it taste like?

Mormon tea tastes somewhat pine-y, resin-y and gives a slightly astringent feeling in the mouth (due to the tannins).

How to Make Mormon Tea

Learn how to make Mormon Tea from foraged American Ephedra! I walk you through brewing your own cup.

Ingredients

Fresh or dried stems of Ephedra (American species)
Water

Instructions

Measure out approximately 2 teaspoons (4 g) of dried Mormon Tea stems, or 3 teaspoons (6 g) if using fresh, per 6–8 oz of water.
Place tea in a pot with water, using a muslin tea bag or tea ball.
Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 5-10 minutes.
Remove tea bag and pour into tea cup.
Serve as is or use sweetener of choice.

Tried making Mormon Tea?
I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a ⭐️ rating or share your experience in the comments. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask below - I’m happy to help! 🏜️

Notes

You can watch for the tea to turn a reddish color- it will darken the longer it simmers.

Mormon Tea is a tough, woody plant, and simple steeping tends to make a weak brew. I recommend gently simmering to better extract the flavor.

After brewing your Mormon Tea, in a tea ball or similar, add a pinch of fresh or dried mint, chamomile, or other mild herbs to steep for a few minutes.
Lean into Mormon Tea’s natural pine-like flavor by adding a few pine needles during brewing.
Sweeten with a little honey to balance the earthy notes and enjoy a delicious, refreshing cup of Mormon Tea.