Ledum groenlandicum
Labrador Tea, Greenland Moss
Ericaceae
History and Origin
In North America, Labrador tea is transcontinental. It tends towards boreal and arctic regions. This indigenous species is mainly found in bogs and sites populated with black spruce. It is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with alternate and oblong leaves. Native Americans drink infused Labrador tea to treat certain respiratory, digestive and renal problems, rheumatisms, scurvy and headaches. They also use it as a blood purifier and as a parturition aid. Besides, the infusion was used as a wash for wounds, insect bites and skin rash and to prepare a dark brown tincture used to color wool and wood.
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