Plant Comparison
Labrador-tea vs American Cranberry
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Labrador-tea and American Cranberry: both belong to the Ericaceae family; they share 2 indicated uses (urinary support, urinary tract infection (uti)); 1 pharmacological action in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Labrador-tea | American Cranberry | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urinary support | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for American Cranberry |
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for American Cranberry |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Ledol is the characteristic, mildly toxic sesquiterpene alcohol of the leaf, particularly concentrated in fresh material.
Toxic diterpenes shared with related Ericaceae; the basis for the caution around excessive or prolonged use.
The constituents responsible for the anti-adhesion effect against uropathogenic E. coli.
Antioxidant polyphenols of the berry.
Contribute to the acidity and antioxidant capacity.
Present in relatively high amounts; relevant to kidney-stone risk.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), especially in women
inferred from urinary-antiseptic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Labrador tea contains ledol, a toxic sesquiterpene alcohol, particularly concentrated in fresh leaves. Excessive consumption can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and even toxicity (especially in the related Ledum palustre). Use only in small, controlled amounts. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Identify plant correctly — confusion with other bog plants can be dangerous.
Duke (2002) rates Labrador tea as + (caution warranted) and notes primarily folkloric activities, with the plant acting as a diuretic, expectorant, and vulnerary. Importantly, Duke classifies it as having narcotic and deliriant potential — large doses can cause intoxication, hallucinations, and toxicity. It contains ericolin and ledol, which are potentially neurotoxic compounds. Duke emphasizes that Labrador tea should be used only with caution and at low doses, and notes that it is not appropriate for regular internal use given its toxicity profile at higher amounts (Duke, 2002).
Best supported for PREVENTION of recurrent UTIs, not for treating an active infection; an established UTI needs proper medical assessment and, usually, antibiotics.
May interact with the anticoagulant warfarin (evidence is conflicting); people taking warfarin should be cautious and consult their clinician.
High in oxalates; people with a history of kidney stones should avoid large or prolonged intake. Many cranberry juices are also high in sugar.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Low evergreen shrub (Ericaceae), 30-100 cm tall. Leaves are narrow, leathery, with in-rolled margins and a dense, rust-coloured, woolly felt on the underside, strongly aromatic when crushed. Small white flowers are borne in terminal clusters.[4]
Low, trailing, evergreen woody vine with small, wiry stems and small, oval, leathery leaves. Small, pink, four-petalled flowers with reflexed petals give way to round to oblong, tart red berries.
Habitat
Grows in acidic bogs, wetlands and sandy peat soils; native to North America and now widely cultivated commercially, especially in flooded bogs.
Harvesting
Leaves and young stems are gathered, traditionally in late summer, and dried. Only small amounts are used given the plant's ledol/grayanotoxin content, and correct identification against toxic bog look-alikes (bog rosemary) is essential.[6]
Berries are harvested in autumn when fully red, either dry-picked or by flooding the bog so the berries float (wet harvest) for collection.
Traditional Uses
Labrador tea has a long Indigenous North American and Scandinavian folk-medicine tradition as a mild diuretic and respiratory remedy, and as an aromatic tea and spice, always used in small, cautious amounts given its narcotic/toxic potential at higher doses. Modern phytochemical work confirms anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of its essential oil.[1]
Cranberry has a long Native American and North American folk tradition as a food and remedy for urinary complaints, an association now well supported by modern research showing its A-type proanthocyanidins prevent E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract lining, making it most useful for prevention of recurrent UTIs rather than treatment of an active infection.[13]
Preparations
Dosage
Duke (2002) advises using Labrador tea only with caution and at low doses given its narcotic/deliriant potential at higher amounts; it is not appropriate for regular internal use. Educational reference only, not a prescription - use only small, occasional amounts of properly identified leaf.
Clinical research commonly uses around 36 mg PAC daily (standardized extract) or 240-300 mL unsweetened juice daily for UTI prevention. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
References & Sources
- Dampc, A. and Luczkiewicz, M (2013) 'Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre): a review of traditional use based on current research', pp. 130--143. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Rhododendron%20tomentosum%20%28Ledum%20palustre%29%3A%20a%20review%20of%20traditional%20use%20based%20on%20current%20research - Jesionek, A., Kokotkiewicz, A., Mikosik-Roczynska, A., Ciesielska-Figlon, K. and others (2019) 'Chemical variability of Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) essential oils and their pro-apoptotic effect on lymphocytes and rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes', Fitoterapia, 139, pp. 104402. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2019.104402 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2019.104402 - Kang, J.Y., Tran, K.D., Seiff, S.R., Mack, W.P. and Lee, W.W (2017) 'Assessing the Effectiveness of Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) in the Reduction of Ecchymosis and Edema After Oculofacial Surgery: Preliminary Results', Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 33(1), pp. 47-52. doi:10.1097/IOP.0000000000000645 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1097/IOP.0000000000000645 - Vengryte, M. and Raudone, L (2024) 'Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Activities of Rhododendron subsect. Ledum: Discovering the Medicinal Potential of Labrador Tea Species in the Northern Hemisphere', Plants (Basel), 13(6), pp. 901. doi:10.3390/plants13060901 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060901 - Iunusova, D.R., Polezhaeva, M.A. and Marchuk, E.A (2024) 'Confusing boundaries of the Labrador tea species: dispersal history explains the lack of clear species structure', Annals of Botany, 134(6), pp. 959-974. doi:10.1093/aob/mcae130 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcae130 - Dampc, A. and Luczkiewicz, M (2014) 'Labrador tea - the aromatic beverage and spice: a review of origin, processing and safety', Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 95(8), pp. 1577-1583. doi:10.1002/jsfa.6889 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.6889 - Jaenson, T.G.T., Palsson, K. and Borg-Karlson, A.K (2005) 'Evaluation of extracts and oils of tick-repellent plants from Sweden', Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 19(4), pp. 345-352. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2915.2005.00578.x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2915.2005.00578.x - Tattje, D.H.E. and Bos, R (1981) 'Composition of essential oil of Ledum palustre', Planta Medica, 41(3), pp. 303-307. doi:10.1055/s-2007-971719 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-971719 - Zhang, K., Wang, J., Chen, L., Li, J. and others (2019) 'Two new taraxerane-type triterpenes from Ledum palustre L', Natural Product Research, 34(19), pp. 2723-2728. doi:10.1080/14786419.2019.1586689 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2019.1586689 - Islam, M.N., Khalil, M.I., Islam, M.A. and Gan, S.H (2013) 'Toxic compounds in honey', Journal of Applied Toxicology, 34(7), pp. 733-742. doi:10.1002/jat.2952 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.2952 - Baananou, S., Bagdonaite, E., Marongiu, B., Piras, A. and others (2014) 'Supercritical CO2 extract and essential oil of aerial part of Ledum palustre L. - Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity', Natural Product Research, 29(11), pp. 999-1005. doi:10.1080/14786419.2014.965167 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2014.965167 - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Kirtley, Paul (2015) 'Labrador Tea - Tonic or Toxic?'. Available at: https://paulkirtley.co.uk/2015/labrador-tea-tonic-or-toxic/ Traditional / reference
https://paulkirtley.co.uk/2015/labrador-tea-tonic-or-toxic/ - Jiang, L. and Zhanxiong, L. and Fengcai, Y. and Fuli, L. and Xiaoling, S (2022) 'Third-degree atrioventricular block caused by intoxication with rhododendron leaves', Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology, 28(2), pp. e13012. doi:10.1111/anec.13012 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1111/anec.13012
- Williams, G., Hahn, D., Stephens, J.H., Craig, J.C. and others (2023) 'Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4(4), pp. CD001321. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub6 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub6 - Mantzorou, M. and Giaginis, C (2018) 'Cranberry Consumption Against Urinary Tract Infections: Clinical State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives', Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 19(13), pp. 1049-1063. doi:10.2174/1389201020666181206104129 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201020666181206104129 - Fu, Z., Liska, D., Talan, D. and Chung, M (2017) 'Cranberry Reduces the Risk of Urinary Tract Infection Recurrence in Otherwise Healthy Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', The Journal of Nutrition, 147(12), pp. 2282-2288. doi:10.3945/jn.117.254961 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.117.254961 - Xia, J.Y., Yang, C., Xu, D.F., Xia, H. and others (2021) 'Consumption of cranberry as adjuvant therapy for urinary tract infections in susceptible populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis', PLoS One, 16(9), pp. e0256992. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0256992 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256992 - Maki, K.C., Kaspar, K.L., Khoo, C., Derrig, L.H. and others (2016) 'Consumption of a cranberry juice beverage lowered the number of clinical urinary tract infection episodes in women with a recent history of urinary tract infection', The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 103(6), pp. 1434-1442. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.130542 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.116.130542 - Babar, A., Moore, L., Leblanc, V., Dudonne, S. and others (2021) 'High dose versus low dose standardized cranberry proanthocyanidin extract for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection in healthy women: a double-blind randomized controlled trial', BMC Urology, 21(1), pp. 44. doi:10.1186/s12894-021-00811-w Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-021-00811-w - Perez-Lopez, F.R., Haya, J. and Chedraui, P (2009) 'Vaccinium macrocarpon: an interesting option for women with recurrent urinary tract infections and other health benefits', Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 35(4), pp. 630-639. doi:10.1111/j.1447-0756.2009.01026.x Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0756.2009.01026.x - Nemzer, B.V., Al-Taher, F., Yashin, A., Revelsky, I. and others (2022) 'Cranberry: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Impact on Human Health: Overview', Molecules, 27(5), pp. 1503. doi:10.3390/molecules27051503 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27051503 - Davidson, E., Zimmermann, B.F., Jungfer, E. and Chrubasik-Hausmann, S (2014) 'Prevention of urinary tract infections with Vaccinium products', Phytotherapy Research, 28(3), pp. 465-470. doi:10.1002/ptr.5047 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5047 - Tsiakoulias, E., Gravas, S., Hadjichristodoulou, C., Oikonomou, K.G. and others (2024) 'Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study of prophylactic cranberries use in women with recurrent uncomplicated cystitis', World Journal of Urology, 42(1), pp. 27. doi:10.1007/s00345-023-04741-0 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-023-04741-0 - Gonzalez de Llano, D., Moreno-Arribas, M.V. and Bartolome, B (2020) 'Cranberry Polyphenols and Prevention against Urinary Tract Infections: Relevant Considerations', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules25153523 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25153523 - National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) (2020) 'Cranberry: Usefulness and Safety'. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cranberry Traditional / reference
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cranberry - Moro, C., Phelps, C., Veer, V., Jones, M., Glasziou, P., Clark, J., Tikkinen, K.A.O. and Scott, A.M (2024) 'Cranberry Juice, Cranberry Tablets, or Liquid Therapies for Urinary Tract Infection: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis', European Urology Focus. doi:10.1016/j.euf.2024.07.002 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euf.2024.07.002 - Aston, J.L., Lodolce, A.E. and Shapiro, N.L (2006) 'Interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice', Pharmacotherapy, 26(9), pp. 1314-1319. doi:10.1592/phco.26.9.1314 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.26.9.1314 - Paeng, C.H., Sprague, M. and Jackevicius, C.A (2007) 'Interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice', Clinical Therapeutics, 29(8), pp. 1730-1735. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2007.08.018 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2007.08.018
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.