Labrador Tea
Scientific Name(s):Species used medicinally include Ledum groenlandicum Oeder, L. latifolium Jacq., and L. palustre L. Family: Ericaceae (heaths).
Common Name(s): Labrador tea , James tea , Marsh tea , Wild rosemary and Continental tea
Clinical Overview
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Uses of Labrador Tea
Labrador tea has been used historically and in folk medicine for a variety of ailments ranging from skin complaints to malignancies. It can be made safely into a weak tea, but care must be taken not to make concentrations too high. A tea for coughs, colds, bronchial infections and pulmonary infections can be made by adding one teaspoonful of dried leaves to one cup of boiling water.
Labrador Tea Dosing
There is no clinical evidence to support specific dosage recommendations for Labrador tea.
Contraindications
Contraindications have not yet been identified.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
Labrador Tea Interactions
None well documented.
Labrador Tea Adverse Reactions
Research reveals little or no information regarding adverse reactions with the use of this product.
Toxicology
Labrador tea has narcotic properties. If taken in concentrations that are too high, it can cause symptoms of intoxication that can lead to paralysis and death. If Labrador tea is to be used, be sure to take only in small doses with weak concentrations.
Botany
L. groenlandicum is a short (0.3 to 1.9 m high), aromatic, evergreen shrub common to North America, primarily found in Greenland and Canada, where it thrives in wet, peaty soils. It has bright-green, 2.5 to 7.6 cm alternate leaves with a leathery dorsal surface, and a rust colored, hair-like underside. The leaves curl inward and have a bluntly pointed tip. The small (12 mm), white, bell-shaped, scented flowers grow from slender stalks in terminal clusters. The fruit is a many seeded capsule. 1 , 2 , 3
History
Labrador tea ( L. latifolium Jacq.) is named after the swamps of Greenland and Labrador, where it grows in profusion. During the American Revolution, it was one of several herbs used as a pleasant-tasting substitute for commercial tea. Germans once added the leaves to their beer to make it more intoxicating. Although Labrador tea is found as far south as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, it is listed as rare and could become an endangered species. Labrador tea in folk medicine has been used for coughs, chest ailments, headache, kidney, rheumatism, diarrhea, sore throat, and malignancies. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4
Chemistry
Reported constituents of L. latifolium include tannic acid, arbutin, resin, and mineral salts. 2 Leaves contain 0.3% to 2.5% volatile oil, including the sesquiterpenes ledol and palustrol (ledum camphor), with valeric and other volatile acids, ericolin, and ericinol. 4
Labrador Tea Uses and Pharmacology
The leaves of L. groenlandicum have been used as an astringent. They were once used to treat dysentery and diarrhea. 2 It is also said to be very useful in coughs and colds, as well as bronchial and pulmonary infections. A tea can be prepared by adding 1 teaspoonful of dried leaves to one cup of boiling water.
A stronger decoction has been recommended externally for itching and redness from skin ailments. Homeopathy has used Labrador tea for various ailments such as insect bites and stings, acne, prickly heat, varicella, and wounds. Homeopathic use also includes asthma, hand and foot pain, gout, rheumatism, ear inflammation, tinnitus, and tuberculosis. 3 Other references discuss use of the leaves by Koreans to treat female disorders. 4 It is rarely used today for its historical uses. 2
Dosage
There is no clinical evidence to support specific dosage recommendations for Labrador tea.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Research reveals little or no information regarding adverse reactions with the use of this product.
Toxicology
Labrador tea has narcotic properties. Evidence suggests that excessive use of the tea may cause delirium or poisoning. 2 Toxic terpenes cause symptoms of intoxication, such as slow pulse, lowering of blood pressure, lack of coordination, convulsions, paralysis, and death. 5 It is apparently safe in a weak tea solution but should not be made too strong. 6
Bibliography
1. Whiteford R. 1996; mailto:savebios@voicenet.com .2. Stuart M, ed. The encyclopedia of herbs and herbalism . Crescent Books, NY. 1987;213.
3. Hutchens AR. Indian herbalogy of North America . Shambhala Publications, Boston, MA. 1991;172-173.
4. Duke JA. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs . Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Inc., 1985;275.
5. Belleau F, Collin G. Composition of the essential oil of Ledum groenlandicum . Phytochemistry . 1993;33:117.
6. Turner NJ, et al. Common poisonous plants and mushrooms of North America . Timber Press, Portland, OR. 1991;267.
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