Healthy Traditions: Recipes of Our Ancestors

Morman Tea (Ephedra vididus)
This shrub is found in arid desert grasslands and sage country in
the western U.S.
Preparation:
Tea: Roast the stems in a fire. Bring 1 C. water to a boil. Add 1
handful of stems. Remove the pot from the fire and let the tea steep
for at least 20 minutes. Can be flavored with sugar, lemon, or
honey.
Other uses: Many desert tribes chew the ephedra stems to reduce
thirst when they were on the move and water was limited. A strong
tea was used as a cure for syphilis. The Navajo boil the twigs and
leaves with alum to produce a light tan dye.
Tribe: The Navajo Nation
Navajo Tea (Cota)
Cota is found in the southwest on the grassy plains, mesas, and
open woodlands. The plant is used to make teas by practically all
Indians of this area of the U.S.
Preparation:
Submerge a bundle of fresh or dried cota in a pan of water and boil
for 5 minutes or until tea is of appropriate strength.
Tribe: The Navajo Nation