LABRADOR TEA RESEARCH
LATIN NAME: 1
OTHER LATIN NAMES: 1
COMMON NAMES: 1
SIMULAR SPECIES: 1
1. Ledum glandulosum Nutt. 1
(a) L. glandulosum Nutt. var columbianum (Piper) Hitchc. 1
(b) Ledum glandulosum var. glandulosum 1
2. Ledum decumbens (Ait.) Lodd. 2
CLASSIFICATION: 3
CLASS: Angiospermae 3
SUBCLASS: Dicotyledoneae 3
SUPERORDER: Dilleniidae 3
ORDER: Ericales 3
FAMILY: Ericaceae 3
SUB-FAMILY: Rhododendroideae 4
GENUS: Ledum 4
PLANT DESCRIPTION: 4
GENERAL: 5
LEAVES: 5
FLOWERS: 5
FRUITS/SEEDS: 6
HABITAT: 6
RANGE: 6
PLANT USES 6
TOXICITY: 6
POISON SYMPTOMS: 7
TREATMENT: 8
CONSTITUENTS: 8
FOOD USES: 9
EUROPEAN FOOD USES: 9
NATIVE FOOD USES: 11
MEDICINE: 13
EUROPEAN MEDICINAL USES: 13
NATIVE MEDICINAL USES: 16
RUSSIAN MEDICINAL USES: 20
HOMOEOPATHIC USES: 20
PREPARATION & DOSAGE: 20
MATERIAL: 21
INSECTICIDE: 21
TANNING: 21
SMOKING MIXTURE: 22
DYEING: 22
CULTIVATION: 22
HISTORY/BELIEFS: 22
SPIRITUAL BELIEFS: 22
MINING TECHNIQUES: 23
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS: 23
NOMENCLATURE: 23
AGE: 23
STORY QUOTES: 24
ILLUSRATIONS: 24
LABRADOR TEA RESEARCH
LATIN NAME: Ledum groenlandicum Oeder (61-86, 287-345)
OTHER LATIN NAMES: Ledum palustre L.ssp. groenlandicum (Oeder) Hulten (61-86,
342-718); Ledum pacificum Small (61-86, 287-345, 342-718); Ledum palustre var.
dilatatum Gray; Ledum latifolium Ait. (61-86); Ledum latifolium Jacq.
(272-213);
- 1978 Turner & Szczawinski, Wild Coffee & Tea Substitutes of Canada #2, 55.
"Some botanist prefer to recognize 'Ledum palustre' as two or more separate
species, including 'L. palustre' and the well-known 'L. groenlandicum Oeder',
but we have treated the latter as a subspecies of 'L. palustre'. It grows
taller than other supspecies and has broader leaves." (98-55)
COMMON NAMES:
Labrador-Tea (22-100); Labrador Tea (61-86); Common Labradore Tea (61-86); St.
James tea (141-460), Hudson's Bay Tea, Muskeg Tea, Bog Tea, Moth Tea, Marsh
Tea, Indian Tea, Continental Tea, Skan Dax Ddaxahl (GITKSAN), Xil kagann
(HAIDA); dax do'oxt (GITKSAN, 242-140); k'wula'maxs (Port Simpson Coastal
Tsimshian, 252-107, 243-55); Marsh Cistus, Wild Rosemary, Wild Rosmarin,
Rosmarinus Sylvestris, Porsch, Sumpfporsch, Finne The' (141-460); Weesukapuka
(369-195), wish-a-ca-pucca (305-85); Xil kagann (HAIDA, 220-22); Swamp tea,
Trappers' tea (103-145); Bogulnik or Herba Ledu (RUSSIAN, 215-172); The du
Labrador, The Veloute', Ledon (French Canadian, 206-124); Rosemary Flowers
(314-102); Puyasmes (KWAKIUTL, 150-283); Puyas (KWAKIUTL, 'leaves', 150-283);
Puuyas (Bella Coola, 148-51); Nuwaqwa'nti (QUINAULT, 46-43); Bupesbupt (MAKAH,
46-43); S'lxt ciltin (TLINGIT, 296-227); Ludi musjek (CARRIER, 251-333);
suxwskakxain (Lillooet & Shuswap, 148-52); gaawaa'-sk'ejaaw (Haida-M, 148-58);
Mogulnik (Russian, 339-38); Muckig'obug (Chippewa, Swamp Leaf, 211-290);
Pu7yaas (Nuxalk, 331-43); Bog Ledum (287-345); Moth Herb (195-261);
mi'lawebu'q (Montagnais), pusipga-'skil (Malecite), muskeg musrig (Cree),
karkar pukwa (Cree) 435-2269);
SIMULAR SPECIES:
1. Ledum glandulosum Nutt. (61-84)
Two varieties in B.C.: (287-345)
(a) L. glandulosum Nutt. var columbianum (Piper) Hitchc. (287-345): Leaves
strongly revolute, 3-5 x scarcely 1(1.5) cm; caps ovoid, 4-5.5 mm; RANGE:
Pacific Co, Wn, South along coast to Marin Co, California (287-345); Syn:
Ledum californicum, Ledum glandulosum ssp californicum, Ledum glandulosum ssp.
californicum var. australe (287-345);
(b) Ledum glandulosum var. glandulosum (287-345): Leaves plane or slightly
revolute, 1.5-3 (4) cm, generally at least half as broad; (287-345); Caps
subglobose, 1-3 (4.5) mm (287-345); British Columbia south, on the east side
of the Cascades, to Wn, east in British Columbia to the Rocky Mountains, south
to Montana and Northern Wyoming, west to central Idaho and northeast Oregon
(287-345);
OTHER LATIN NAMES: Ledum californicum Kell. (61-84);
COMMON NAME: Glandular Labrador, Trapper's tea, Coastal Labrador Tea, Western
Labrador tea (61-84); Labrador Team, Smooth Ledum, Mountain Ledum (287-345);
DESCRIPTION: Stout, erect shrub, 0.5-1.5 m. tall, with twigs puberulent and
minutely glandular. (61-84);
LEAVES: Petiolate, elliptic to oval, up to 5 cm. long, green and rugose above,
whitish-puberulent and resinous-granuliferous beneath, more or less revolute.
(61-84);
FLOWERS: White, in terminal raceme; pedicels up to 2 cm. long, puberulent and
usually glandular; sepals ciliate on the margins; petals oblong, up to 8 mm.
long; stamens 8-12 (usually 10), considerably longer than the style, densely
hairy below the middle. Season is June to August. (61-84);
FRUIT: Capsule, about 5 mm. long, globose to ovoid, puberulent and glandular
(61-84);
HABITAT: Wet mountain meadows and wet open woods on higher elevations
(61-84);
RANGE: British Columbia to California, eastward to the Rocky Mountains and
southward to Wyoming; also in Idaho and Oregon (61-84); Restricted to the
Southwest and Southeast Interior, where it is quite abundant locally and well
defined in its distribution. (61-84);
COMMENTS: Glandular labrador tea is easily separated from other specie,
having leaves which are green and rugose above, pale greenish and densely
glandular beneath. The leaves in other species are densely rusty-tomentose
beneath. Young twigs are finely pubescent and glandular-dotted. Of apparent
geographic significance is var. columbianum (Piere) C. L. Hitchc. (L.
columbianum Piper), characterized by strongly revolute, narrow leaves, 3-5 cm.
long and less than 1 cm. in width. This variety is rare with us, and the only
specimen I have seen came from Vancouver, collected by J.K. Henry (1901).
This record seems to be outside its range. The typical form, var.
glandulosum, is rather a mountain plant and differs from var. columbianum by
having entire or only slightly revolute leaves, about half as broad as they
are long, and a distinctly globose capsule (61-86).
2. Ledum decumbens (Ait.) Lodd.
OTHER LATIN NAMES: Ledum palustre var. decumbens Ait.(342-717); Ledum
palustre var. angustifolium Herder, Ledum palustre subsp. decumbens (Ait.)
Hult. (61-81, 342-717); Ledum decumbens (Ait) Small. (342-717)
COMMON NAME: Northern Labrador Tea, Narrow-leaved labrador tea (61-83);
DESCRIPTION: Similar to Ledum groenlandicum and the separating characters are
confined mostly to the size of shrub, which in this species is much smaller
(10-50 cm.), being more decumbent; leaves linear, which very seldom exceed 25
mm. in length and 3 mm. in width; stamens in most cases 10 in number, having
filaments pubescent below the middle and much smaller fruit (capsule), only
3-4 mm. long. Other characters as in Ledum groenlandicum. (61-83); Low shrub,
with brown, puberulent young twigs, glabrescent in age, flowers in umbel-like
clusters; leaves linear, somewhat acute, with strongly revolute margin, shiny
and glabrous above, cinnamon-brown, woolly beneath; pedicels rusty-puberulent;
stamens mostly 10, hooked or curved at maturity; flowers white or pinkish
(342-717);
HABITAT: Limited to cold muskegs and bogs in lowland and alpine situations
within its range. (61-83); Heaths, dry, rocky places, in the mountains to at
least 1,800 meters; very common. Described from Hudson Bay (342-717);
RANGE: Alaska, Yukon, through Northwest Territories to Labrador and
Newfoundland and west Greenland, south to B.C., northern Manitoba. Eurasia.
(61-83);
COMMENTS: Ledum decumbens and Ledum groenlandicum are quite closely related
to Ledum palustre L.; Hulten (1948) prefers to regard both of them as
geographical races (subsp. of L. palustre). Undoubtedly there is a variation
within these three populations and the relationships between them is still
unclear. (61-84)
CLASSIFICATION:
CLASS: Angiospermae (118-10)
SUBCLASS: Dicotyledoneae (118-10)
SUPERORDER: Dilleniidae (118-14)
ORDER: Ericales (118-14)
- 1982 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Volume 6, 954. "An order of about 2700
species of plants, largely shrubs or small trees, arranged in ten families and
about 135 genera." (EB 6-954)
FAMILY: Ericaceae (Heather)
- 1978 V. H. Heywood, Flowering Plants of the World, 124. "About 100 genera,
and about 3000 species."
- 1978 V. H. Heywood, Flowering Plants of the World, 127. "An outline of
Stevens' classification (omitting Proloideae) is given below, with five
subfamilies:
Rhododendroideae: 7 tribes with 19 genera.
Ericoideae: About 20 genera
Vaccinioideae: 5 tribes with 50 genera.
Wittsteinioideae: One genus (Wittsteinia from Australia.
Monotropoideae: Chief genus Monotropa. Some authorities place members
of this subfamily within its own family Monotropaceae.
- 1962 A.F. Szczawinski, The Heather Family, 9. "About 70 genera and more than
1,900 species." (61-9)
- 1962 A.F. Szczawinski, The Heather Family, 7. "About 60 members of the
family Ericaceae occur in B.C., but none of them is a true heather or true
heath. (61-7)
- 1982 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Volume 6, 957. "Shrubs; subshrubs;
occasionally woody, perennial herbs; or small trees. Seventy to 80 genera
with 1500 to 1900 species widely distributed on acid soils throughout
temperate Northern and Southern Hemisphere regions, in sub-Arctic regions, and
in high mountains in the tropics." (6-957)
SUB-FAMILY: Rhododendroideae (206-124)
GENUS: Ledum
- 1962 A.F. Szczawinski, The Heather Family, 9. "A genus of four species,
native of the north temperate and sub-arctic regions." (61-81)
- Three (3) species are found in B.C.: (287-345)
L. groenlandicum Oeder
L. glandulosum Nutt. var. columbianum (Piper) Hitchc.
L. glandulosum Nutt. var. glanulosum
- 1984 Marilyn Walker, Harvesting the Northern Wild, 85. "Two species of
Labrador tea, Ledum decumbens (Ait.) Lodd. and Ledum groenlandicum Oeder, grow
in the NWT." (305-85)
PLANT DESCRIPTION:
GENERAL: Erect or diffuse shrubs, freely branched with resinous fragrant
foliage, not more than 1 meter tall. (61-81); Erect shrub up to 1 m. tall,
with densely rusty villose-tomentose twigs. (61-86); Larger than subsp.
decumbens (342-718); A small evergreen shrub, much branched, with stems 30-90
cm long. It grows in colonies or patches. Flowering-time: Late spring or
early summer. STEM: Woody. New stems are woolly, greenish becoming
golden-brown. Old ones are dark and scaly. ROOT: A long and creeping
underground stem (206-124); A scraggly shrub, 0.5 - 2.0 meters (20 to 80
inches) high, forming dense patches. (103-145);
LEAVES: Leaves alternate, sessile or short-petioled, entire, leathery, and
persistent (61-81); Lower surface of leaves densely rusty-tomentose beneath.
Leaves elliptic to oblong, 2-5 cu. long; (61-81); Lower surface of leaves
pale greenish, not tomentose (61-81); Lower surface of leaves densely
rusty-tomentose beneath. Leaves linear, up to 1.5 cm. long (61-81);
Short-petioled, linear to ellilptic, up to 6 cm. long, leathery, deep green,
glabrous and somewhat reddish-lanate above, with distinctly revolute margins.
(61-88); Leaves oblong to linear-oblong, obtuse; stamens mostly 8. Described
from Greenland (342-718); Evergreen shrubs with leathery, entire, often
revolute leaves, often strongly glandular (287-345); Leaves linear-elliptic,
2-6 cm, densely rusty-lanate beneath, strongly revolute (287-345); Leaves
strongly revolute, 3-5 X scarcely 1 (1.5) cm; caps ovoid, 4-5.5 mm (287-345);
LEAVES: Aromatic, deep olive-green, alternate. Tender new ones can be used for
tea. Their stalks are very short. MARGIN: Untoothed, rolled under. SURFACE:
Leathery above, very wooly and white to golden-brown beneath. VEINS:
Branching, short and straight (206-124); The young leaves, pointed upwards,
are light green with white fuzz underneath, as they mature they turn downwards
and become dark green, or eventually reddish-brown, and the fuzz underneath
becomes a deep-rust colour. (98-55); The leaves, crowded toward the tops of
the twigs, are elongated, rounded with inrolled margins and densely fuzzy
beneath. Young leaves are light green, pointing upward, with white fuzz
beneath. In older leaves the blades are dark green to reddish, pointing
groundwards, and the fuzz is rust-coloured. (103-145); The undersides of the
leaves are pale and resinous-dotted and the margins are not rolled in."
(8-23);
FLOWERS: Flowers, many, in terminal racemes or corymbs, from large scaly
buds, the new growth of the season originating at the base of the flower
clusters. Perianth 5-merous; calyx very small, divided nearly to the base;
petals distinct to the base, white or tinged with pink; stamens 10 (5-12),
with slender filaments; anthers oblong-oval, unawned, opening by small round
pores; ovary 5-celled with elongate and persistent style (61-81); Stamens,
5-7, their filaments mostly glabrous (61-81); White, about 1 cm. broad in
terminal umbel-like clusters from large scaly buds; pedicels and bracts finely
puberulent and glandular; petals spreading, 5-8 mm. long, oblong, rounded at
the apex and narrowed at the base; Stamens 5-10; filaments glabrous or
sometimes pubescent at basse, slightly exceeding the style; styles up to 6 mm.
long, nearly straight (61-86); stamens 5-10, slightly greater than style
(287-345); Flowers in terminal racemes or corymbs, 5 (4-6) -merous; petals
white, spreading to subrotate; stamens 10 (5-12), filaments slender, anthers
unawned, opening by terminal pores (287-345); FLOWERS: Many, 10-15 mm across,
stalked, in dense clusters at the tips of branches. They have golden-brown
bud-scales, which drop as the flowers expand. Later in the season new
leaf-growth arises from the base of the flower-cluster. Pink buds for next
years blossoms appear in the autumn. PETALS: 5, white; CALYX: minute,
5-toothed, green; STAMENS: 5 to 10, white, tipped with pale yellow; PISTIL:
Green, rounded at base. Style long, white. (206-124);
FRUITS/SEEDS: Fruit a capsule, opening by 5 valves from the base; seeds
minute, elongate and winged. (61-81); Capsule narrowly ovoid, puberulent, up
to 7 mm. long. (61-88); Caps 5-valved, septicidal from base upward; (287-345);
FRUIT: A narrow oval capsule with curving style, which remains until the
following year. The stalk curves downward as the capsule ripens. SEEDS: Many,
small. (206-124); The fruit is a drooping 0.5 cm long capsule that opens by
valves from the bottom up. The numerous minute spindle-shaped and winged seeds
are dispersed by the wind. (332-124) The seed capsules are brown and woody.
(103-145);
HABITAT: Common in muskeg, swamps, bogs, and moist coniferous woods, on wet,
acid mountain meadows in the north.(61-88); Swamps, Damp woods, wet roadsides
(206-124); It is found in scrub, heath moors and open pine woods. (332-124)
RANGE: Native of the north temperate and sub-arctic regions. (61-81); Boreal
zones; Alaska to Greenland, south to New England; in the west along the coast
to northwest Oregon. One of our most common and most widespread members of
the Heather Family, distributed throughout the Province in suitable habitat
(61-88); Alaska to Greenland, south along coast, mostly in swamps and bogs, to
Northwest Oregon, possibly also to northern Idaho, east to Greenland and north
Atlantic states (287-345); Ledum palustre grows in the coniferous woodland
belt of the eastern parts of central and northern Europe, northern and central
Asia, north Korea and Japan and in the cold parts of North America. (332-124);
Covers miles of Marshland in European Russia, Siberia, and the Far East.
(215-172)
PLANT USES
TOXICITY:
- 1931 M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 460. "Of infusion, 2 to 4 fluid ounces
three to four times a day. Overdoses may cause violent headache and symptoms
of intoxication." (369-196, 141-460)
- 1962 Adam Szczawinski, The Heather Family of B.C., 81. "All species have
been reported as having a poisoning effect when browsed by animals, especially
by sheep. As far as is known, the toxic principle appears to be
andromedotoxin (a resinoid carbohydrate, 16-51). Since most of these plants
have rather tough and bitter leaves, animals seldom eat them if more palatable
forage is available." (61-81)
- 1962 Adam Szczawinski, The Heather Family of B.C., 89. "The related species,
L. glandulosum, is not suitable for making a beverage, and it is believed to
have some poisonous effects." (61-89)
- 1976 Lewis Clark, Wild Flowers of the Pacific Northwest, 380. "Ledol, a
toxic compound that can induce cramps and paralysis has been isolated from the
leaves of all of the ledum species. Possibly in the low concentrations of the
pioneers' brew, this substance may have produced restorative effects similar
to those resulting from caffeine in tea." (1-380)
- 1977 John Tampion, Dangerous Plants, 107. "..All species of Kalmia, Ledum,
Leucothoe, Menziesia, Pieris, Rhododendron, Lyonia, Andromeda, should be
considered potentially toxic. Honey from Ericacean pollen is suspected of
causing some human poisonings." (120-107)
- 1983 Frantisek Stary, Poisonous Plants, 124. "All parts of the plant contain
an aromatic, poisonous essential oil, although the leaves and flowers have the
greatest concentration (0.5-3%). Its toxicity is due to the sesquiterpenic
crystalline alcohol ledol and perhaps also palustrol. In recent years, doubts
have been expressed as to the concentrations of the glycosides arbutin and
ericolin generally given in the literature but this is not a determining
factor in the plant's toxicity. Ledol has an irritant action and, taken
internally, causes a state of excitement and intoxication at first, later
vomiting, abdominal pains and severe diarrhoea. It also causes congestion of
the lower pelvic region, has an irritant effect on the kidneys and urinary
passages, and may cause miscarriage in pregnant women. Further symptoms, in
the case of larger quantities, are muscular pains, giddiness, cramps and
collapse." (332-124)
- 1983 Frantisek Stary, Poisonous Plants, 124. "People are known to have been
poisoned but, in animals, poisoning has been reported only in goats. Poisoning
has ended in death for pregnant women who tried to abort the foetus by taking
large doses of the extract from Wild Rosemary. Medicinal therapy used mainly
galenical preparations from the crude drug (the dried flowering twigs or
leaves): tinctures, infusions and, for external application, ointments.
Ailments treated included rheumatic pains, whooping cough and inflammation of
the upper respiratory passages. In folk medicine, Wild Rosemary is used
externally to treat wounds (the essential oil has antiseptic properties),
persistent eczemas and to destroy undesirable parasites." (332-124)
- 1984 Canadian Pharmaceutical Association, Poison Management Manual, 44. "All
of the plant parts (of andromedotoxin plants) contain the toxic principle
andromedotoxin. Poisonings have occured in children from sucking on the
flowers or drinking a "tea" made from the leaves. Ingestion of honey made
from the nectar of rhododendron has also resulted in toxic effects.
Fatalities have been reported from ingestion of sheep laurel (or lambkill) and
Japanese pieris." (353-44)
POISON SYMPTOMS:
- 1982 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Volume 6, 955. "The poison causes watering of
the mouth, eyes, and nose; vomiting; slow pulse; and depressed blood pressure.
Massive ingestion of andromedotoxin results in convulsions and slow and
progressive paralysis until death; fatalities, however, are rare." (EB 6-955)
- 1984 Canadian Pharmaceutical Association, Poison Management Manual, 44.
- Initial burning of mouth, tongue, and pharynx.
- Systemic effects may be delayed for up to 6 hours after ingestion and
include salivation, nausea, vomiting (may be severe), and diarrhea.
- Drowsiness, headache, ataxia, muscle weakness; possible convulsions.
- Generalized paresthesias may occur.
- Hypotension, bradycardia; possible cardiac arrhythmias.
- Respiratory depression.
TREATMENT:
- 1984 Canadian Pharmaceutical Association, Poison Management Manual, 44. "
1. Empty stomach if patient is not already vomiting. Follow with activated
charcoal and a saline cathartic.
2. Maintain ventilation. Oxygen is required.
3. Monitor ECG, blood pressure.
4. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
5. Hypotension unresponsive to fluid replacement may be treated with dopamine.
6. Atropine may be given to treat bradycardia.
7. Control excitation or convulsions with i.v. diazepam.
CONSTITUENTS:
- 1830 C.S. Rafinesque, Medical Flora or Manual of Medical Botany of the
United States, Volume I, 236. "Contains 20 chemical substances, even wax and
osmazome, very near to Chinese tea, but stronger, owing to fragrant resin.
Leaves bitterish, nidorose (reeking) cephalic, pectoral, exanthemic, &c.
Useful in coughs, exanthema, itch, scbies, leprosy &c. In strong decoction
kills lice and insects. Said to be narcotic and phantastic by Schoepf."
(369-195)
- 1931 M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 460. "CONSTITUENTS: There has been found in
the leaves tannin, gallic acid, a bitter substance, wax, resin, and salts."
(141-460, 116-66)
- 1931 M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 460. "Ledum palustre: The leaves contain a
volatile oil, including 'ledum camphor', a stearopten, with valeric and
volatile acids, ericolin, and ericinol. The tannin is called leditannic
acid." (141-460)
- 1978 Bradford Angier, Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants, 163. "Ledum
palustre, according to a fairly recent U.S. Dispensatory, contains the
glucoside ericolin, tannin, and valeric acid, among other things." (201-163)
- 1981 Arnason, Hebda, & Johns, Use of Plants for Food and Medicine by Native
Peoples of Eastern Canada, 2237. "Ledum groenlandicum Oeder.: LEAVES (100
grams of plant material): H2O (47.2 g), Protein (9.8 g), Ascorbic Acid (10
mg)." (435-2237)
- 1987 Eleanor G. Viereck, Alaska's Wilderness Medicines, 44. "The tannin is
called leditannic acid, and there are gallic acid (a bitter substance), wax,
resin, salts, and ascorbic acid. Be warned that Labrador tea contains ledol,
a poisonous substance causing cramps and paralysis. Grieve says the plant
also contains a stearopten, valeric and volatile acids, ericolin, and
ericinol." (407-44)
FOOD USES:
EUROPEAN FOOD USES:
- 1795 Samuel Hearne, A Journey from Prince of Wales Fort in Hudson's Bay to
the Northen Ocean in the Years 1769, 1770, 1771, and 1772. "It is, however,
much used by the lower class of the Company's servants as tea; and by some is
thought very pleasant. But the flower is by far the most delicate, and if
gathered at the proper time, and carefully dried in the shade, will retain its
flavour for many years and make a far more pleasant beverage than the leaves.
There are several species of this plant, of which some of the leaves are
nearly as large as that of the Creeping Willow, while others are as small and
narrow as that of the Rosemary, and much resembles it in colour; but all the
species have the same smell and flavour." (305-86)
- 1823 Sir John Franklin, Narrative of a Journey. "Our only luxury (while
navigating the Polar Sea in two canoes) now was a little salt, which had long
been our substitute both for bread and vegetables. Since our departure from
Point Lake we had boiled the Indian tea plant,'ledum palustre,' which produced
a beverage in smell much resembling rhubarb; notwithstanding which we found it
refreshing, and were gratified to see this plant flourishing abundantly,
though of dwarfish growth, on the sea-shore." (131-Lab Tea)
- 1888 Delamare Island of Miquelon transl. 25. "An infusion of the leaves is
used in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to replace tea and in Canada it is used to
put a head on small beers." (369-195)
- 1931 M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 460. "During the American War of
Independence the leaves were much used instead of tea-leaves."(141-460,
116-66, 272-213)
- 1931 M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 460. "They (the leaves) should be collected
before flowering time, and the tops when the flowers begin to open. (141-460)
- 1931 M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 460. "The leaves (of L. palustre) are
reputed to be more powerful than those of L. latifolium, and to have in
addition some narcotic properties, being used in Germany to make beer more
intoxicating." (141-460)
- 1972 Szczawinski & Hardy, Guide to Common Edible Plants of B.C., 23. "The
leaves may be used as a tea substitute. The pungent aromatic taste is
somewhat reduced if the leaves are steeped in one or two changes of boiling
water. The addition of a few drops of lemon juice also improves the flavour."
(8-23)
- 1972 Dan & Nancy Jason, Some Useful Wild Plants, 65. "Labrador Tea leaves
are best picked before flowering, then dried, crushed, and steeped for tea.
They have a pleasant odour, spicy taste, and slightly narcotic properties."
(12-65)
- 1975 Dr. Triska, The Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Plants, 78. "During the middle
ages Labrador tea was added to mead as a preservative. Towards the end of the
15th century it was used instead of hops in some areas." (119-78)
- 1975 Russ Mohney, Why Wild Edibles, 126. "A dry mint leaf added per cupful
as it steeps, changes its character to a noval, fragrant delight. Another
interesting flavour departure is to drop just a few broken fir needles into
the pot." (36-126)
- 1977 Lee Allen Peterson, Edible Wild Plants, 208. "Tea. The dried leaves
make a mild and agreeable tea when steeped for 5-10 minutes." (418-208)
- 1977 Berglund & Bolsby, Edible Wild Plants, 170. "Pick Labrador tea leaves
while the plant is flowering. Spread them on a shallow pan and dry in the oven
on low heat. When dry, crush the leaves and store in an airtight container.
To make tea, put 2 to 3 tablespoons of crumbled leaves into a preheated pot,
pour boiling water over, and steep for five minutes before serving. The taste
is not unlike Oriental tea, and it has a Vitamin C content." (168-170)
- 1978 Turner & Szczawinski, Wild Coffee & Tea Substitutes of Canada #2, 57.
"Labrador tea can be brewed in a number of ways. We think the best method is
to place a generous handful of leaves in about 1 L (4 cups) of boiling water
and allow them to simmer a short time, perhaps 5 minutes. The resulting tea
has a yellowish-green tint and a sweet, flower-like fragrance reminiscent of
jasmine tea. People who prefer it stronger leave it on the stove for several
hours, but we do not recommend this procedure. A pleasant if
somewhat weak beverage can be made simply by steeping the leaves in boiling
water in a teapot, just as ordinary tea is made. You may find the flavour is
enhanced by adding a few drops of lemon juice and a little honey. You can
also use sugar and cream, but they tend to mask the delicate flavour." (98-57)
- 1978 Turner & Szczawinski, Wild Coffee & Tea Substitutes of Canada #2, 55.
"All species of L. palustre are suitable for making tea." (98-55)
- 1978 Turner & Szczawinski, Wild Coffee & Tea Substitutes of Canada #2, 56.
"Some people say that the leaves should be collected in the spring before the
flowers appear; others declare that the best time for harvesting is in the
fall or late winter, when the leaves are mature and reddish-brown in colour.
The leaves can be used fresh or, for storage, can be dried in the sun, over a
fire, or in an oven." (98-56)
- 1978 Turner & Szczawinski, Wild Coffee & Tea Substitutes of Canada #2, 56.
"In our experience, Labrador tea is as safe as regular tea or coffee, but it
is said by some to produce drowsiness. We have never experienced such an
effect, which may be due to physiological sensitivity in certain individuals
or may in some cases be purely psychologial. In any case, we recommend that
you drink the tea only in moderate quantities and in low concentrations; do
not boil the leaves for longer than 10 minutes." (98-56)
- 1982 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Volume 6, 955. "Humans can be poisoned by
chewing on leaves and twigs or by sucking nectar from the flowers of these
plants. Poisoned honey has been reported in areas in which bees visit large
Rhododendron or laurel (Kalmia) stands, but the honey is so bitter that very
little of it can be eaten." (EB 6-955)
NATIVE FOOD USES:
- 1926-27 Frances Densmore, Uses of Plants by the CHIPPEWA Indians, 317. "It
is interesting to note that the Chippewa did not commonly drink water
encountered in traveling but boiled it, making some of the following beverages
from vegetable substances that were easily available. Fresh leaves were tied
in a packet with a thin strip of basswood bark before being put in the water.
Dried leaves could be used if fresh leaves were not available. The quantity
was usually about a heaping handful to a quart of water. Beverages were
usually sweetened with maple sugar and drunk while hot..Leaves of Labrador
tea..354." (369-196)
- 1945 Erna Gunther, Ethnobotany of Western Washington, 43. "The leaves are
steeped and drunk as a beverage tea by the Makah." (46-43)
- 1932 Huron H. Smith, Ethnobotany of the OJIBWE, 401. "The Flambeau Ojibwe
used the tender leaves of this plant as a beverage tea, and will even eat the
leaves in the tea. It is well known tea to many northern and Canadian
Indians." (369-196)
- 1970 Adam Szczawinski, The Heather Family of B.C., 89. "This tea was well
known during the revolutionary war in the United States, and Still is widely
used by Ainu and Eskimos and other inhabitants of the Arctic." (61-89)
- 1971 Medical Services, Indian Food, 51. "INDIAN TEA: (Florence Burton,
Kincolith) The Nishga people call their tea "tame-lock-lock-ock" which means
"a place where there are only small branches around". This is a description of
the locations that tea plants are usually found. The plant called Labrador tea
or sometimes Hudson's Bay tea, is about ten inches high with small leaves that
roll under at the edges. The leaves are picked from October to April, before
the plant flowers. They are dried for a few days, then stored in a plastic
bag for the winter. Prepare the tea with the following recipe:
1. In a 2 quart porcelain or stainless steel saucepan place 2 handfuls of
dry tea leaves.
2. Fill the saucepan with cold water.
3. Simmer the tea on the stove for two hours then keep it hot on the back
of the stove for the rest of the day.
4. The tea is served hot any time of the day.
Indian tea has a sprucey flavour which may be improved with the addition of
sugar." (160-51)
- 1973 Turner & Bell, The Ethnobotany of the Southern Kwakiutl Indians, 283.
"The KWAKIUTL, like all Northwest Coast groups, used the leaves of this bog
plant for tea. About a handful of the leaves per quart of boiling water was
used (Cranmer, 1969; Johnson, 1969). The leaves apparently have narcotic
properties, but it is doubtful if the Indians were aware of this (Szczawinski
& Hardy, 1962)." (150-283)
- 1974 John Lust, The Herb Book, 523. "Labrador or Swamp Tea (Ledum
Latifolium). Originally used by American Indians and adopted by frontiersmen
and pioneers. Fragnant, soothing, rose-colored tea with mellow flavor."
(195-523)
- 1978 Nancy Turner, Food Plants of B.C. Indians, Part 2, 145. "As the various
names of this shrub imply, the leaves were a common source of tea, not only in
British Columbia, but across Canada. They were picked from August to April,
depending on the traditions of the groups using them. Some, such as the
OKANAGAN, picked the entire branch tips, twigs and all, whereas others used
only the leaves. The SLAVE apparently used the flowers as well as, or instead
of, the leaves, according to J.J. Honigmann (1946). Various recipes were used
in different parts of the Province. A handful of fresh or dried leaves
simmered in a quart of water for 15 minutes or more yields a pleasant drink,
although some people like it stronger. It has a pleasant, aromatic fragrance
and taste and is good with or without sugar. The leaves can also be added as
a flavouring to regular tea or mint tea." (103-145)
- 1978 Turner & Szczawinski, Wild Coffee & Tea Substitutes of Canada #2, 56.
"Some native peoples in western Canada used to steam the leaves in underground
pits until they turned dark brown. They placed the rhizomes of the licorice
fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza D.C. Eat.) in with the leaves to flavour them."
(98-56)
- 1981 Arnason, Hebda, & Johns, Use of Plants for Food and Medicine by Native
Peoples of Eastern Canada, 2231. "Ledum groenlandicum Oeder.: (435-2231)
CULTURE NATIVE NAME USE REFERENCES
Ojibwa muckig'obug Leaves, fresh or dried, tied with Densmore 1928
basswood bark and
boiled for tea, tea leaves eaten
Ojibwa waboskiki'bug Leaves used for tea Smith 1932
Ojibwa -- Leaves used for tea Stowe 1940
Algonquin & -- Leaves used for tea Black 1980
Cree
Micmac & Leaves used for tea Speck & Dexter
Malecite 1951, 1952
Montagnais milewebu'q Leaves used for tea Speck 1917
Cree muskeg musrig Leaves used for tea Breadsley 1941
- 1984 Nuxalk, Nuxalk Food and Nutrition Handbook, 43. "After picking the
leaves, store them in pillow cases or other cloth bags in a dry place. The
cloth lets in air but keeps the leaves dry. To make pu7yaas, simmer a handful
of leaves in a pot of water. At first, try simmering the leaves 15 to 30
minutes. You will decide how strong you like pu7yaas. The longer you simmer
the leaves the stronger the tea will be." (331-43)
- 1985 Frances Graham, Plant Lore of an Alaskan Island, 38. "The leaves and
branches, high in vitamin C, are brewed in "chai" (tea)." (339-38)
- 1985 Frances Graham, Plant Lore of an Alaskan Island, 38. "Native Alaskans
made a meat spice and a marinade - for game with a strong wild taste - from
this plant. The meat would be soaked in tea made from the boiled plant, or
the meat, stems, and leaves would be boiled together."
NOTE: Historical writings show that the pilgrims could have adopted the
traditional Indian use of this plant and began brewing strong, flavourful tea
that they judged to be nearly as good as the oriental varieties thay
had in England. The dried leaves do not much resemble tea leaves, but the flavour certainly does.
MEDICINE:
- 1985 Frances Graham, Plant Lore of an Alaskan Island, 38. "CAUTION: An effective laxative in large
doses. At first, drink tea brewed from this plant in small amounts." (339-38)
EUROPEAN MEDICINAL USES:
- 1743 James Isham, Observations on Hudson's Bay and notes and observations on a book entitled "A
Voyage to Hudson Bay in the Dobbs Galley 1746-7", 134. "Plants of Physicky Herb's. Several are growing
in these parts one of Which they styl (wishakapucka) which is us'd as a perge or fomentation, but the English
in these parts makes a Drink of itt, going by the Name of wishakapucka tea, being of a fine flavour, and
Reckon'd Very wholesome, - I was troubled Very much my Self with a Nervious Disorder, but by Constant
Drinking 1 pint made strong for three months Entirely cur'd me..217." (369-195)
- 1795 Samuel Hearne, Journey From Prince of Wale's Fort in Hudson's Bay, to the Northern Ocean
in the Years 1769, 1770, 1771 and 1772. "The Wish-a-ca-pucca, which grows in most parts of this
country, is said by some Authors to have great medical virtues, applied, either inwardly as an alterative, or
outwardly dried and pulverised, to old sores and gangrenes. The truth of this I much doubt, and could never
think it had the least medical quality." (305-87)
- 1823 J. McGregor, Historical and Descriptive Sketches of the Maritime Colonies of British America,
23. "The Indian tea or Labrador shrub, is grateful to the taste and considered an effectual antiscorbutic."
(369-195)
- 1852 Sir John Richardson, Arctic Searching Expedition. "The leaves of the Ledum palustre are also
chewed and applied to burns, which are said to heal rapidly under its influence. The cake of chewed leaves
is left adhering to the sore until it falls off." (305-86)
- 1892 Charles F. Millspaugh, American Medicinal Plants, an Illustrated and Descriptive Guide to Plants
Indigenous to and Naturalized in the United States Which are Used in Medicine, 100. "Marsh Tea used
in dysentery, diarrhoea, tertian ague, and in some places to render beer heady, though it is said to bring on
delerium." (369-196)
- 1931 M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 460. "Medicinal Action and Uses: The leaves are tonic, diaphoretic, and
pectoral, having a pleasant odour and rather spicy taste. They yield their virtues to hot water or to alcohol.
It is useful in coughs, dyspepsia, and irritation of the membranes of the chest. An infusion has been used to
soothe irritation in infectious, feverish eruptions, in dysentery, leprosy, itch, etc. The strong decoction, as a
wash, will kill lice. The leaves are also used in malignant and inflamed sore throat." (141-460)
- 1945 Erna Gunther, Ethnobotany of Western Washington, 43. "The U.S. dispensatory mention labrador
tea as a tonic, expectorant (facilitates discharges of mucus), and pectoral (good for diseases of the chest or
lungs)." (46-43)
- 1969 Alma Hutchens, Indian Herbalogy of North America, 172. "Pectoral, Expectorant, Diuretic. Very
useful in coughs, colds, bronchial and pulmonary affections. Sometimes used as a table tea. For internal use the
infusion of 1 teaspoonful of dried leaves to 1 cup of boiling water in winglassful doses as needed for the
control of the above mentioned. Externally: A strong decoction has been recommended for external use as a
remedy for itching and exanthematous (eruptions accompanied by fever) skin disease." (215-172)
- 1972 Dan & Nancy Jason, Some Useful Wild Plants, 65. "Labrador Tea is said to be good for sore throat
or chest and for a cough." (12-65)
- 1975 Dr. Triska, The Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Plants, 78. "Both the flowers and leaves of this plant were
used in medicine and as household remedies against fever, coughs and bronchitis." (119-78)
- 1978 Turner & Szczawinski, Wild Coffee & Tea Substitutes of Canada #2, 57. "Considered expecially
good for colds, sorethroats and headaches." (98-57)
- 1978 Joy Spurr, Wild Shrubs, 66. "Ancient herbals mention that the leaves were used as a tonic,
diaphoretic, and pectoral." (116-66)
- 1978 Jackson & Prine, Wild Plants of Central North America For Food And Medicine, 35.
"Medicinally, it is a stimulant, pectoral, expectorant, and diuretic, useful in coughs, colds, bronchial and
pulmonary conditions. For internal use, the tea infused, is taken in wineglassful doses, several times daily. A
strong decoction is recommended for external use as a remedy for itching skin conditions." (109-35)
- 1978 Bradford Angier, Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants, 163. "Brewed like store tea, Labrador tea
is pleasingly antiscorbutic and stimulating. It was used by the Indians and settlers as a tonic supposed to
purify the blood. A few leaves, chewed raw, act on many as a quick stimulant. Large quantities are said to
be cathartic. Drunk in more moderate amounts, however, it was supposed to halt chest troubles and ward off
chills. It was also employed to treat wounds." (201-163)
- 1979 David C. Meyer, The Herbalist, 69. "Ledum Latifolium: Pectoral and stimulant and sometimes used
as a table tea." (124-69)
- 1983 Frantisek Stary, Poisonous Plants, 124. "People are known to have been poisoned but, in animals,
poisoning has been reported only in goats. Poisoning has ended in death for pregnant women who tried to
abort the foetus by taking large doses of the extract from Wild Rosemary. Medicinal therapy used mainly
galenical preparations from the crude drug (the dried flowering twigs or leaves): tinctures, infusions and, for
external application, ointments. Ailments treated included rheumatic pains, whooping cough and inflammation
of the upper respiratory passages. In folk medicine, Wild Rosemary is used externally to treat wounds (the
essential oil has antiseptic properties), persistent eczemas and to destroy undesirable parasites." (332-124);
- 1985 Frances Graham, Plant Lore of an Alaskan Island, 38. "Prepare a tea by boiling fresh or dried
leaves and branches until the water turns dark. Drink this tea for anemia, colds and tuberculosis. It can also
be used for arthritis, dizziness, stomach problems, heartburn and hangover. This tea has been known locally
as a remedy for chest ailments and tuberculosis." (339-38)
- 1987 Eleanor G. Viereck, Alaska's Wilderness Medicines, 44. "Labrador tea is common, widespread, and
always available in northern climates where non-evergreen leaves are obtainable only during a short growing
season. The plant also has a pleasant aromatic scent, lending a spicy fragrance to a tea. For these reasons it
is perhaps no wonder this plant is mentioned in such a large number of ethnobotanical reports and herbal
compendia. A small amount added to black tea does add a spicy aroma. It is used in this way on
Nelson Island (Ager and Ager) or mixed with willow leaf tea (Lantis). Several authors (Tobe, de Laguna, Grieve)
indicate that Labrador Tea is good for colds. The leaf tea is cathartic if it is strong enough to be
orange-colored. The ascorbic acid content is second only to rosehips (Lantis)." (407-44)
NATIVE MEDICINAL USES:
- 1748 Henry Ellis A Voyage to Hudson's Bay. "The Plant, by the Indians called 'Wizzekapukka', is used
by them, and the English as a Medicine, in nervous and scorbutick Disorders; its most apparent and immediate
Effect, is promoting Digestion, and causing a keen Appetite. To this Plant, the Surgeons residing at the
Factories, ascribe all the Qualities of Rhubarb; it is a strong Aromatick, and tastes pleasantly enough when
drank as a Tea, which is the common Way of using it."(131-Lab Tea)
- 1749 James Isham, Observations on Hudson's Bay and notes and observations on a book entitled 'A
Voyage to Hudson Bay in the Dobbs Galley 1746-7'. "And here I can but Observe that the plant made
strong, twice a Day, has found a Great Deal of Benefitt by itt. But as to the Indians using itt I must conterdict
the Author (Henry Ellis), for to my certain Knowledge, their is none of the Indians usd. it in any shape; so fair
from using itt I have offer'd some to them when have Refus'd itt with a Great Dislike; Shaggamittee also they
do not use when they are indispose'd, any more then at another time, being as common a Drink to them as small
Beer is to us &c." (Isham seems to imply that the Indians used labrador tea as a purge, so they would not want
to drink it with him, or used it as a fomentation.) (369-195)
- 1784-1812 David Thompson, Travels in Western North America. "In the night we were both awakened
by a violent dysentry...I filled the pewter basin with Labrador tea, and by means of hot stones made a strong
infusion, (and) drank it as hot as I could, which very much relieved me." (131-Lab Tea)
- 1812 Rush Diary Dec. 15th. 303. Records that Francois Andre' Michaux, who had just returned from a trip
to northern parts of Quebec told him that labrador tea was a popular beverage among the Indians of that
region, but not the French, who from their diet of salt meat, suffered from scorbutic complaints. (Vogel 1963;
65.) (369-195, 146-65)
- 1884 E.M. Holmes, Notes on recent donations to the Museum of the Pharmaceutical Society London,
CREE Hudson Bay 303: "Karkar-pukwa or Country Tea (Ledum latifolium L.). The fresh leaves are chewed
and applied to wounds. The flowering tops are used as tea and should be gathered when in full bloom. The
dried flowers have an odour between that of tansy and chamomile...By homoeopaths it is used as a remedy for
tender feet, especially when associated with rheumatism, and the tincture is highly esteemed for relieving the
pain of the sting of insects." (369-195)
- 1915 Frank G. Speck, Medicine Practices of the Northeastern Algonquians, MONTAGNAIS 313.
"The leaves and twigs of Labrador Tea are steeped and drunk to purify the blood and taken in cases of chills."
(369-196, 146-65)
- 1915 Frank G. Speck, Medicine Practices of the Northeastern Algonquians, MICMAC-MONTAGNAIS
Newfoundland 316. "The leaves are steeped to make a tea which has a beneficial effect on the system. It is
the common native beverage...317. The leaves in a decoction drunk as a tea as a diuretic." (369-196)
- 1926-27 Frances Densmore, Uses of Plants by the CHIPPEWA, 317. "The roots of Labrador tea and wild
cherry dried, powdered and mixed but not cooked. Applied to a severe burn or ulcer or any condition in which
the flesh is exposed. After this powder has been on the flesh for a time it becomes damp. It is then removed,
the sore washed, and a fresh application made." (369-196, 211-355)
- 1932 Huron H. Smith, Potawatomi, 57. "Wesawabaguk meaning yellow leaf. Mrs Spoon used the leaves
in one of her medicinal combinations, but did not say what ailment it was intended to correct...The U.S. Nat.
Dispensatory (1916) records that the leaves in full doses cause headache, vertigo, restlessness and a peculiar
delirium. The infusion of the leaves augments a secretion of saliva, of perspiration, urine, and dilates the pupil
of the eye. It is a remedy rarely employed now except in cases of chronic bronchitis. A decoction of the
leaves has been used as a vermin exterminator, while fresh twigs have been placed among woollen clothes to
keep moths from them...99. The Forest Potatwatomi use the leaves of labrador tea to make a beverage....120.
Also as a brown dye material." (369-196)
- 1945 Erna Gunther, Ethnobotany of Western Washington, 43. "A stronger infusion is used by the
MAKAH as a blood purifier. The QUINAULT use the same drink for rheumatism." (46-43)
- 1955 J. Auguste Mockle, Contributions a l'etude des plantes medicinales du Canada, Quebec transl.
96. "The tea of the leaves is digestive and pectoral. The pulverised leaves are taken for a headache. The
Indian women make a decoction which they take three times a day when delivery is near. The leaves contain
3% tannins, arbutoside and ursolic acid." (369-196)
- 1970 Virgil J. Vogel, American Indian Medicine, 65. "Frank Speck reported Ledum tea in use by the
Montagnais to "purify the blood," and for chills. Henry David Thoreau reported its use, as well as hemlock
leaves, by the Penobscots of Maine, in 'The Maine Woods,' 125. Ledum may have helped fortify the northern
Indians against scurvy in winter; Ledum palustre L., according to the 1950 'Dispensatory of the United States,'
contains the glycoside ericolin, tannin, valeric acid, and other substances." (146-65)
- 1974 John Lust, The Herb Book, 272. "Ledum palustre: Astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant.
Used externally, marsh tea makes a good remedy for all kinds of skin problems. Internally, it stimulates the
nerves and the stomach. Because of its diaphoretic and diuretic properties, an infusion or cold extract can be
used for rheumatism, gout, and arthritis. A syrup made from marsh tea is sometimes used for coughs and
hoarseness. CAUTION: Excessive doses can cause poisoning." (195-262)
- 1975 Catharine McClellan, My Old People Say, Part I, 227. "TLINGIT: These hairy leaves are gathered
at any time of the year and kept in a sack. They may be used either fresh or dry. People who have colds
drink large quantities of tea made from the leaves, although they usually add a little bit of "store" tea "so it will
have colour." Some broken tops of young spruce trees stirred into it make an especially effective brew.
(296-227)
- 1978 Nancy Turner, Food Plants of B.C. Indians, Part 2, 147. "Labrador tea has many medicinal
attributes as well. The SHUSWAP believe that drinking it in large quantities counteracts poison ivy. Dogs were
sometimes given lukewarm drinks of it as a tonic. It was also used as a heart medicine or for indigestion, and
was given to a mother after childbirth to ease the pain and relax her. The LILLOOET took it for diarrhoea."
(103-147)
- 1980 Gitksan Elders, Gathering What The Great Nature Provided, 95. "GITKSAN: Hudson's Bay or
Labrador tea (sk'an dax do'oxwhl) is made from the leaves of a shrub that grows in swampy places. The leaves,
either dried or green, are placed in water and boiled. This
water is poured off and replaced by fresh water which is also boiled and the resulting liquid is drunk as a
beverage. It is also used as a tonic. In fact, one of our most knowledgeable elders believes that it was used only
as a tonic before the white people arrived." (133-95)
- 1981 Arnason, Hebda, & Johns, Use of Plants for Food and Medicine by Native Peoples of Eastern
Canada, 2269. "Ledum groenlandicum Oeder. (435-2269):
GROUP NATIVE NAME USES REFERENCES
Ojibwa muckig'obug Skin ulcer: root dried, powdered Densmore 1974
(Chippewa) poultice, used with Prunus
serotina
Algonquin -- Tonic, colds: tea, leaves Black 1980
Algonquin -- Before Childbirth: tea, leaves Marie-Victorin
three times daily; headache: 1919
snuff leaves
Montagnais mi'lawebu'q Purify blood, chills: tea, leaves Speck 1917
twigs
Abanaki -- Nasal congestion: snuff dried Rousseau 1947
powdered leaves, sassafras
bark
Maritime -- Asthma, cold, scurvy: tea, Chandler et al.
leaves used
Micmac -- Diuretic: leaves, tea Speck 1917
Malecite pusipga-'skil Kidney trouble: leaves used Mechling 1959
Cree muskeg musrig Burns, scalds, as emetic: tea, Beardsley 1941
powdered leaves, poultice
Cree -- Headaches; tea Black 1980
Cree karkar pukwa Wounds: chew leaves, apply; tea, Holmes 1884
flowering tops
- 1982 Nancy Turner, Food Plants of B.C. Indian's, Part I, 144. "The Coastal Indians, especially the HAIDA,
drank the tea as a medicine for colds and sore throats. 'Ledum groenlandicum' itself, while not harmful as a
tea, is said by some to produce drowsiness or slight dizziness but Indian people have never noted such an
effect." (44-144)
- 1982 Nancy Turner, Food Plants of B.C. Indian's, Part I, 144. "Various methods of collection and
preparation of the leaves were used. For example, the HAIDA picked the young leaves in spring, before the
plants flowered, although leaves could be harvested in summer from younger plants. The BELLA COOLA and
MAINLAND COMOX, on the other hand, gathered the old reddish-brown leaves in late winter, just before the
new leaves sprouted. The leaves were used fresh, or dried in the sun. The COMOX prepared them in a unique
manner by steaming them in a shallow pit, and layers interspersed with licorice fern rhizomes, to flavour the
tea. Water was added from time to time, through a hollow tube at the top, and the leaves were allowed to cook
until they were dark brown. They were then placed in a plot of water and boiled to taste. The HAIDA
perferred a dark coloured, strong tasting tea and often left a pot of it boiling on the stove for several days,
adding more water as the liquid was depleted through use and evaporation. The present Indian people use
plenty of sugar in it." (44-144)
- 1983 G. Deagle HAIDA 22. "Hudson's Bay Tea (Ledum groenlandicum) and Swamp Laurel (Kalmia polifolia):
These two common plants are closely associated in any of the muskeg areas of the Queen Charlotte lowlands
near Masset. Most Masset Haida describe both plants by the name "xil kagann" although they carefully
described the difference between the Ledum variety (leaves hanging down0 and Kalmia species (leaves pointing
up). Collection of the leathery leaves which grow on these low shrubs is easily accomplished. The Leaves are
allowed to air dry and are stored in jars or plastic bags today. Preparation for use is identical with both these
plants and involves steeping the leaves in a pot of simmering rainwater, to make a tea. One woman stated that
there was always a pot on the stove, "near the back", in her childhood home.
Hudson's Bay tea is often used alone as a beverage. Some Haida people proudly referred to it as Indian
tea. The tea is also used to treat influenza ("7il"), or the common cold ("tada"). The addition of swamp laurel
leaves to the tea was reserved for clearly medicinal purposes. One woman stated that exactly forty branches
with leaves, should be boiled in one gallon of rainwater all day, 'until the pitch shows up on the top of the
water'. She said this medicine was good for 'fire sickness' - a kind of V.D. or gonorrhea." (220-22)
RUSSIAN MEDICINAL USES:
- 1969 Alma Hutchens, Indian Herbalogy of North America, 172. "RUSSIAN: The young leaves and twigs
are collected in August and September. Care must be observed when drying as one of the various volatile ether
oils in contains is 7.5% Ledum; the strong aroma from which could seriously affect the heart if one is in too
close confinement during this plants drying stage. (Moscow University, 1963). Medical literature gives full credit
to Folk Medicine though it is not fully experimented clinically. Leaves and twigs are officially collected for
state institutes and sold to pharmacies and dispensaries. (Atlas, Moscow, 1962) USES: Accommodates Coughs,
Bronchitis, Bronchial asthma, Tubercular lungs, Stomach sickness, Headache, Kidney and weak Bladder, Rickets,
Diarrhoea, Rheumatism (internally, and as a liniment or ointment). Pains in the chest, Scrofula, Scaby dandruff
(blanketed on the scalp, or in patches). Additional: fertility, infections, tightness of breath (Bello-Russ. Academy
of Science). Can cure Bronchitis in two weeks. Recommended as a tea decoction of 1 oz. tea to 2 pints boiling
water; drink as required, a mouthful at a time (Medicine, Moscow, 1965)." (215-173)
HOMOEOPATHIC USES:
- 1969 Alma Hutchens, Indian Herbalogy of North America, 173. "Externally: Russian Homoeopaths boil
the flowers in fresh butter making an ointment for skin diseases, bruises, wounds, bleeding and rheumatism
(Moscow University, 1963)." (215-173)
- 1969 Alma Hutchens, Indian Herbalogy of North America, 172. "HOMOEOPATHIC CLINICAL: Tincture
of dried small twigs and leaves collected after flowering begins; tincture of whole fresh plant - Ascites, Asthma,
Bites, Black eye, Boils, Bruises, Deafness, Ear (inflammation of), Eczema, Erythema nodosum, Face (pimples on),
Feet (pains in, tender), Gout, Haemoptysis, Hands (pains in), Intoxication, Joints (affections of, craking in Menier's
disease), Pediculosis, Prickly heat, Punctured wounds, Rheumatism, Skin (eruption on), Stings, Tetanus,
Tuberculosis, Varicella, Whitlow, Wounds." (215-172)
PREPARATION & DOSAGE:
- 1974 John Lust, The Herb Book, 262. "Infusion: Steep 1 tbsp. dried leaves or herb in 1/2 cup water.
Take 1/2 cup a day. Cold Extract: Soak 1 tbsp. dried leaves or herb in 1/2 cup cold water for 10 hours. Take
1/2 cup a day." (195-262)
- 1987 Eleanor G. Viereck, Alaska's Wilderness Medicines, 44. "The leaves and occasionally the twigs and
flowers are used to make tea. The method of gathering and preparing the leaves varies greatly. I usually use
them fresh and prefer the older leaves, but some herbalists prefer the young leaves and dry them. Be sure to
dry them slowly and carefully so they do not turn black. (407-44)
MATERIAL:
INSECTICIDE:
- 1874 Can. Pharm. J. 68. "A new insecticide to replace pyrethrum 'Ledum palustre' said to destroy fleas, bed
bugs, lice, beetles and their larvae and many other insects. An alchoholic tincture of the plant to which a little
glycerine is added is said to drive away mosquitoes from any surface to which it has been applied. It is also
said to be a remedy for mosquitoe bites. The fresh plant is best for all these purposes but the dry is also
effective. Try the powder of the plants for the patato beetle." (369-195)
- 1931 M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 460. "Strewed among clothes, the leaves will keep away moths, and in
Lapland the branches are placed among grain to keep away mice." (141-460)
- 1962 Adam Szczawinski, The Heather Family of B.C., 89. "..it was laid among corn in barns to drive
away mice, kept in bedrooms to disperse fleas and in closets to keep away moths." (61-89, 116-66, 98-57,
141-460).
- 1972 Francis Perry, Flowers of the World, 107. "The leaves have been used as a tea substitute and can
be employed to produce an aromatic oil with medicinal and insect-repellent properties." (244-107)
- 1975 Dr. Triska, The Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Plants, 78. "The dried leaves were used against insects."
(119-107)
- 1978 Turner & Szczawinski, Wild Coffee & Tea Substitutes of Canada #2, 57. "Because of its strong
scent, Europeans used the leaves for keeping rodents out of corn cribs and repelling fleas, clothes moths, and
other house held insects." (98-57)
TANNING:
- 1931 M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 460. "In Russia the leaves are used for tanning leather." (141-460)
SMOKING MIXTURE:
- 1935 Diamond Jenness, The Ojibwa Indians of Parry Island, Their Social and Religious Life, 114.
"When tobacco was scarce the Indians substituted labrador tea." (369-196)
- 1978 Jackson & Prine, Wild Plants of Central North America For Food And Medicine, 35. "The dried
leaves are used as an ingredient in herbal smoking mixtures." (109-35)
DYEING:
- 1945 Jacques Rousseau, La Botanique Canadienne a L'epoque de Jacques Cartier, Quebec transl. 96.
"Used to dye wool brown, known generally throughout the Province as Labrador tea, rarely as wooly tea."
(369-196)
- 1977 Judy McGrath, Dyes From Lichens & Plants, 105. "DYEING: (1) Leaves with alum-treated wool
produce a beautiful bright yellow-gold. (2) Leaves with untreated wool produce a soft peach-gold. (3) Branches
with alum-treated wool produce a yellow. (4) Branches with untreated wool give a yellow-beige. (5) An
afterbath of copper on the above colors gives a soft green, chrome gives a golden-brown, and tin gives orange."
(111-105)
CULTIVATION:
- 1972 Francis Perry, Flowers of the World, 107. "When any of these plants are used in the garden they
must have cool conditions and lime-free soil. Plenty of peat should be worked into the planting sites and in
some cases light shade provided." (244-107)
HISTORY/BELIEFS:
- 1857 Report from the Select Committee...Westminster, England 373. "It was formerly imported into this
country by the Hudson's Bay Company under the name of Weesukapuka." (369-195)
- 1975 Dr. Triska, The Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Plants, 78. "Ledum palustre L.: Since this is a very rare
plant it is protected in many countries. It grows in bogs in central and northern Europe, Central and Northern
Asia as far as Japan." (119-78)
- 1977 Berglund & Bolsby, Edible Wild Plants, 170. "During his arctic expedition of 1819-1822, the
explorer, Sir John Franklin, used the leaves of Labrador tea's arctic cousin, the Ledum decumbens (a dwarfed
linear arctic species)." (168-170)
SPIRITUAL BELIEFS:
- 1987 Eleanor G. Viereck, Alaska's Wilderness Medicines, 44. "There are ceremonial uses for Labrador
tea; one is to turn a stalk and throw it out the door if a child is ill or if you want to get rid of ghosts (Oswalt).
MINING TECHNIQUES:
- 1976 Lewis Clark, Wild Flowers of the Pacific Northwest, 380. "Professors Warren and Delavault, by
atomic absorption of ashed roots and stems of certain plants, have been able to detect underlying ore-bodies.
This they have found that 'ledum groenlandicum' growing near known zinc-copper ore-bodies shows
significantly high concentrations fo the elements." (1-380)
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
- 1975 Dr. Triska, The Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Plants, 78. "Ledum has a strong, overpowering smell and
this is due to the activity of small glands on the flowerstalks." (119-78)
- 1976 C.P. Lyons, Trees, Shrubs & Flowers to Know in B.C., 73. "The 'wool' and the rolled-over edges of
the evergreen, leathery leaves are natures's way of preventing the loss of water from the underside of the
leaves. Although Labrador tea usually grows in a bog the water is so cold that the plant may be unable to
absorb any and so adopts a highly specialized leaf to conserve it. (3-73)
- 1978 Joy Spurr, Wild Shrubs, 66. "On either cold and dry or hot and dry days, the margins of the leaves
tend to recurve to protect the leaves from too much moisture lose. During rainy days, the leaves flatten and
expose their surfaces so that the maximum number of cells can absorb moisture into the leaf." (116-66)
NOMENCLATURE:
- 1962 A.F. Szczawinski, The Heather Family, 81. "The name of this genus comes from the Greek word
'ledon', the ancient name for the plant now known as 'Cistus ledon'." (61-81)
- 1978 Joy Spurr, Wild Shrubs, 66. "The name is from the Greek 'Ledon' meaning "mastic'. Groenlandicum
refers to 'Greenland'." (116-66)
- 1973 Hitchcock & Cronquist, Flora of the Pacific Northwest, 345. "German 'ledon', mastic, a name used
by the Greeks for another genus, 'Cistis', from which an aromatic resin was obtained." (287-345)
AGE:
- 1982 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Volume 6, 956. "Fossil records of ericads are not numerous, especially
considering the number of species in the order. All have been found in deposits of the Tertiary Period
(2,500,000 to 65,000,000 years ago) and mostly from the Oligocene Epoch (26,000,000 to 38,000,000 years ago)
and the Miocene Epoch (about 7,000,000 to 26,000,000 years ago). (EB 6-956)
STORY QUOTES:
ILLUSRATIONS:
- Excellant B/W + distribution map of L. groenlandicum (342-718)
- Excellant B/W drawings of L. decumbens (61-82)
- Good B/W plus distribution Maps for L. decumbens (342-717)
- Excellant B/W drawings of L. glandulosum (61-85)
- Excellant B/W drawings of L. groenlandicum (61-87)
- Good B/W pictures (369-195)
- Excellant B/W picture (206-124)
- Excellant B/W picture (98-55)
- The best B/W pictures (305-85)
- Excellant colour print (131-Lab Tea)
- Excellant colour print (332-125), + B/W print of flower, seeds.
- Excellant B/W picture (116-67)
_____________________________________________________________________________
| |
| The information in these articles is primarily for reference and |
| education. They are not intended to be a substitute for the advice of |
| a physician. The instructor does not advocate self-diagnosis or self- |
| medication; He urges anyone with continuing symptoms, however minor, to |
| seek medical advice. The reader should be aware that any plant substance,|
| whether used as food or medicine, externally or internally, may cause an |
| allergic reaction in some people. |
|___________________________________________________________________________|
Maurice L.B. Oates Jr., M.A.
(Ya'-ga-hlo'o)
BOOKS NOT CHECKED OFF: Finished to #435.
LATIN NAME: Ledum groenlandicum, Oeder (61-86, 287-345)