Mexican Tea, Torrey's jointfir

Ephedra torreyana

Physical Characteristics

Ephedra torreyana is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Arizona and Colorado south to New Mexico, Texas and Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Tea An excellent tea is made by boiling the stems for a few minutes and allowing the brew to steep[177, 183]. Fruit - raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Kidney Pectoral Salve Stomachic VD This plant has a wide reputation as a cure for syphilis[216]. A decoction of the stems is used, this decoction is also used in treating coughs, bladder and kidney problems and stomach disorders[257]. A decoction of the leaves and stems has been used as a lotion on itchy skin[257]. The stems of most members of this genus contain the alkaloid ephedrine and are valuable in the treatment of asthma and many other complaints of the respiratory system[K]. The whole plant can be used at much lower concentrations than the isolated constituents - unlike using the isolated ephedrine, using the whole plant rarely gives rise to side-effects[254]. Ephedra does not cure asthma but in many cases it is very effective in treating the symptoms and thus making life somewhat easier for the sufferer. The stems can be used fresh or dried and are usually made into a tea, though they can also be eaten raw[K]. The young stems are best if eating them raw, though older stems can be used if a tea is made[K]. The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known