Brigham Tea
Also known as: Brigham tea, green Mormon tea, green ephedra, Indian tea, Ephedra viridis
Overview
Ephedra viridis, commonly known as Brigham tea, is a woody shrub indigenous to the Western United States, thriving at elevations between 900 and 2,300 meters. This gymnosperm is characterized by its photosynthetic green stems, producing pollen and seed cones rather than typical flowers or leaves. Historically, Native American communities utilized it for relieving congestion, while Mormon settlers adopted it as a caffeine-free hot beverage. A key distinction of E. viridis from other Ephedra species is its reported lack of significant amounts of ephedrine alkaloids, which are potent stimulants found in other Ephedra varieties often used for weight loss or energy enhancement. While some sources present conflicting information regarding its chemical composition, gas chromatograph analyses have generally found no measurable ephedrine-type alkaloids, suggesting that any observed toxic symptoms are more likely attributable to tannins rather than stimulant compounds.
Benefits
There is a notable absence of high-quality clinical evidence, such as randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses, specifically supporting health benefits for *Ephedra viridis* (Brigham tea). Traditional uses, including relief of nasal congestion and its role as a mild stimulant substitute for caffeine, are primarily anecdotal and lack rigorous clinical validation. Unlike *Ephedra sinica* (Ma Huang), which contains ephedrine and has been extensively studied for applications in weight loss and asthma, *E. viridis* does not possess these alkaloids and therefore is not expected to share similar pharmacological effects. No systematic reviews or meta-analyses were identified that evaluate the efficacy or safety of Brigham tea, indicating a significant gap in scientific understanding of its potential benefits.
How it works
Due to the established absence of ephedrine and related alkaloids in *Ephedra viridis*, it is highly improbable that this plant exerts the sympathomimetic effects typically associated with other *Ephedra* species. Consequently, it does not function as a central nervous system stimulant or bronchodilator in the same manner as ephedrine-containing varieties. Any potential biological effects of *E. viridis* are likely attributable to other phytochemicals, such as tannins, which have not been thoroughly characterized in controlled studies. Its traditional use for congestion relief might hypothetically stem from mild anti-inflammatory or astringent properties of these uncharacterized compounds, but this remains speculative without direct scientific evidence or elucidation of specific biological pathways.
Side effects
A comprehensive safety profile for *Ephedra viridis* based on clinical trials is currently unavailable. However, given the confirmed absence of ephedrine alkaloids, it is considered unlikely to induce the severe cardiovascular or central nervous system side effects (e.g., hypertension, tachycardia, stroke) commonly associated with other *Ephedra* species. Potential adverse effects, if any, might be related to its tannin content, which in high concentrations could theoretically lead to gastrointestinal irritation or interfere with nutrient absorption. Due to the lack of clinical data, no specific drug interactions or contraindications have been formally established for Brigham tea. Users should exercise caution, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications, as its full safety spectrum remains uninvestigated.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for Brigham tea derived from clinical research. Traditional use primarily involves brewing the stems as a tea, but the precise concentrations of any active compounds and their effective doses for specific purposes remain unknown. Without scientific studies, it is impossible to recommend a standardized dosage for any purported health benefit or to define safe upper limits. Consumers relying on traditional preparation methods should be aware that the consistency of active compounds can vary significantly based on plant source, preparation method, and brewing time. Due to the lack of evidence, caution is advised regarding regular or high-dose consumption.
FAQs
Is Brigham tea stimulating like other Ephedra species?
No, Brigham tea (*Ephedra viridis*) lacks ephedrine alkaloids, which are the stimulant compounds found in other Ephedra species. Therefore, it is not considered a stimulant and does not produce similar effects.
Is it safe to consume regularly?
There is no clinical safety data available for regular consumption of Brigham tea. While traditional use suggests low toxicity, caution is advised due to the unknown long-term effects and potential interactions with medications.
Does it aid weight loss or athletic performance?
No, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that *Ephedra viridis* aids in weight loss or enhances athletic performance. These claims are typically associated with ephedrine-containing Ephedra species, which Brigham tea does not contain.
Can it relieve congestion?
Traditional use suggests that Brigham tea may offer mild relief for congestion. However, there are no clinical trials or scientific studies to confirm this traditional claim or to elucidate the mechanism of action.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7666907/ – This source discusses an umbrella review on tea consumption and cancer risk, primarily focusing on *Camellia sinensis* (green and black tea). It does not include *Ephedra* species, indicating that research on Brigham tea's health effects is distinct and not covered by this broad review.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32667980/ – This PubMed entry likely corresponds to the same umbrella review on tea consumption and cancer risk. It reinforces that the scope of this research is limited to *Camellia sinensis* and does not provide information relevant to *Ephedra viridis*.
- https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/ephedra.htm – This source provides general information on *Ephedra* species, often focusing on those containing ephedrine alkaloids. It highlights the documented effects and risks associated with these stimulant-containing varieties, emphasizing that these do not apply to *Ephedra viridis* due to its distinct chemical profile.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephedra_viridis – This Wikipedia entry provides an overview of *Ephedra viridis*, including its scientific classification, common names, and traditional uses. It notes the absence of significant amounts of ephedrine alkaloids, distinguishing it from other *Ephedra* species and discussing the contradictory chemical composition reports.
- https://www.colorado.edu/asmagazine/2023/03/03/mormon-tea-has-no-flowers-or-leaves-lots-history – This article from the University of Colorado provides historical and botanical context for Mormon tea (*Ephedra viridis*). It describes the plant's unique characteristics, such as lacking flowers or leaves, and touches upon its traditional use and historical significance.
