Labrador tea

Labrador tea, is a name commonly applied to two species: Ledum palustre (Northern Labrador Tea, also known as Rhododendron tomentosum) and Ledum groenlandicum (Bog Labrador Tea). In Labrador itself, Labrador Tea is also frequently called Indian Tea. Both are plants in the Heath family (Ericaceae) with strongly aromatic leaves that can be used to make a very palatable herbal tea. Labrador tea has been a favorite beverage among Athabaskan and Eskimo people for many years. Labrador tea is a low shrub with evergreen leaves. The leaves are smooth on top, fuzzy white to red-brown underneath. The tiny white flowers grow in hemispherical clusters and are very fragrant and sticky and highly attractive to bees. In large doses Labrador tea can cause drowsiness, stomach ache, and act as a laxative. Use in moderation.

Close up of a Labrador Tea flower, found in the alpine zone of northern New Hampshire.

Uses

The Athabaskans use it as a beverage and also as medicine for weak blood, colds, tuberculosis, dizziness, stomach problems, heartburn, kidney problems and hangover. Some people chew the raw leaves because they like the taste. Others use Labrador tea to spice meat by boiling the leaves and branches in water and then soak the meat in the tea. The meat may also be boiled directly in the water with the stems and leaves. This spice is said to be especially good for strong-tasting meat, such as brown bear meat that has a fishy taste. It should be noted, however, that Labrador tea does contain ledol, a poisonous substance that can cause cramps and paralysis.[1]

Habitat

Ledum palustre grows in peaty soils, shrubby areas, moss and lichen tundra. Ledum groenlandicum grows in bogs and wet shores, and sometimes on rocky alpine slopes. Both species are generally northern (north temperate to tundra) in distribution, with the range of L. groenlandicum somewhat farther south.

Harvesting

Both Ledum palustre and Ledum groenlandicum grow slowly, so pick individual leaves rather than whole branches, and harvest from different shrubs. In addition, Labrador tea grows in abundance in large patches so it should not be difficult to move from plant to plant to avoid over-harvesting. Labrador tea is an evergreen plant and will be available all year long.

External links and references

• [2]. Labrador Tea from the point of view of the US Forest Service
• [3] Alaska's Wilderness Medicines - Labrador Tea