Ledum Palustre

Common Names: Marsh Labrador Tea, Northern Labrador Tea, Wild Rosemary, Marsh Ledum, Marsh Tea
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Rhododendron (subsection Ledum)
Parts Used: Entire Plant

Description:

Ledum palustre, now botanically classified as Rhododendron tomentosum, is a low, evergreen shrub native to Northern and Central Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. It typically grows in wetlands, marshes, and damp coniferous forests. The plant is known for its small white flowers and aromatic leaves covered with fine hairs underneath.

Chemical Composition:

All parts of the plant contain toxic terpenes that can affect the central nervous system. Ingesting large amounts or even inhaling the plant’s aroma may cause headaches, dizziness, coordination issues, nausea, spasms, and in severe cases, unconsciousness.

Note: This species is distinct from Rhododendron groenlandicum, the Labrador Tea traditionally used by indigenous people in Canada.

Medicinal Uses:

In Traditional European Herbal Medicine:

• Respiratory ailments: Historically used to treat whooping cough and bilious disorders.

• Skin conditions: Applied for diseases like leprosy, pemphigus, and facial eczema.

• Injury & trauma care: Beneficial for healing bruises, insect and rodent bites, black eyes, puncture wounds (like nail injuries), and post-surgical eye trauma.

• Muscle and joint pain: Effective in easing joint, muscle, and nerve discomfort.

• Gout & Rheumatism:

  • Helpful in both acute and chronic cases.

  • Eases throbbing, swelling, and painful joints, starting from the lower limbs and moving upwards.

  • Reduces formation of painful nodules in joints such as toes, ankles, elbows, and fingers.

• Skin irritations: Soothes itching of the feet and ankles, particularly aggravated by warmth and scratching.

• Chronic discoloration: Aids in fading long-lasting marks after injuries.

In Electropathy & Homeopathy:

• Incorporated in formulas like CANCEROSO-6, targeting kidney infections, leucorrhoea, joint inflammations, cataracts from kidney disorders, and more.

Caution:

Due to its toxic nature, use is best restricted to controlled, expert-guided medicinal preparations. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any part of this plant internally or externally.