Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph
Labrador-tea
Rhododendron tomentosum
This monograph compiles 3 pharmacological actions, 7 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 13 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →inferred from anti-inflammatory action
more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →inferred from anti-inflammatory action
more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →inferred from diuretic action
more plants for swelling / fluid retention →detailed sources →inferred from diuretic action
more plants for urinary support →detailed sources →inferred from diuretic action
more plants for urinary tract infection (uti) →detailed sources →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).
References
REF-0053, REF-0880, REF-0881, REF-0882, REF-0883, REF-0884, REF-0885, REF-0886, REF-0887, REF-0888, REF-0889References & 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
Find this source - 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
Find this source - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org
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