b a c k Laurie Lacey's Wild World of Plants


Labrador Tea

LABRADOR TEA
Ledum groenlandicum Oeder.

The leaves of the plant make a pleasing tea when steeped in water.

The Native peoples of Atlantic Canada used the tea as a general tonic medicine in the spring of the year. The tea was also used to treat a variety of kidney related problems.

The Cree named this plant muskeko-pukwan, and used it to treat fevers, colds, and other conditions.

It is reported that the labrador tea contains a substance which may be poisonous if the tea is too strong, or ingested in large amounts. While I have yet to hear of anyone being poisoned by drinking labrador tea, one may take precaution by steeping the leaves rather than boiling them in water. This is the way I prepare the tea. Boiling the leaves too strongly may release the poisonous substance.



Laurie Lacey is not responsible for the misuse of information presented on this homepage (for example, the incorrect prepartion and usage of teas and medicines given herein.) The use of recipes for medicines and teas from this page is strictly the responsibility of each individual.