Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum )

All of our herbs come from certified organic sources or trusted wildcrafters.

ALSO KNOWN AS: bog Labrador tea, bog tea 

PLANT FAMILY: Ericaceae 

PART(S) USED: Dried leaves 

OVERVIEW: Labrador tea has been a favorite beverage among the Athabaskan, First Nations, and Inuit people. The Athabaskans brew the leaves as a beverage. Others use Labrador tea to spice meat by boiling the leaves and branches in water and then soaking the meat in the decoction.  

TRADITIONAL USES: The Pomo, Kashaya, Tolowa, and Yurok of Northern California boiled the leaves of Western Labrador Tea to make a medicinal herbal tea used to ease coughs and colds. 

STORAGE: Keep dry. Store in an airtight container in a dry cupboard away from light. Will keep for many years. 

PRECAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS:  

• Use at your own risk.  
• There is not sufficient data to demonstrate that Labrador tea is safe to consume, as toxicity varies across species and localities. Excessive consumption may cause diuresis, vomiting, dizziness, and drowsiness. Excess consumption is not recommended. 
• Large doses can lead to cramps, convulsions, paralysis, and, in rare cases, death. Grayanotoxins are also present in Labrador tea, but there are few human cases of poisoning resulting in death. 
• Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have an existing medical condition, have allergies, or are on any medications.  

WARNING: This information is for educational purposes only, has not been evaluated by Health Canada, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.