Marsh Labrador Tea

Common Name:

Marsh Labrador Tea

Botanical Name:

Rhododendron tomentosum (formerly Ledum palustre)

Short Description:

Marsh Labrador Tea is a warming, aromatic herb used traditionally in Indigenous and northern European medicine for respiratory infections, fevers, and joint pain. It’s also used as a calming nervine and digestive tonic.

Parts Used:

Leaves and twigs (dried)

Actions:

Antiseptic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, nervine, diaphoretic

Energetics:

Warming, drying, aromatic

Body Systems:

Respiratory, nervous, digestive, musculoskeletal

Spiritual/Energetic Uses:

Protective and purifying. Marsh Labrador Tea clears mental fog and helps ground and calm the mind—especially helpful in wilderness settings or when reconnecting with ancestral intuition.

Planetary/Dosha Associations:

Planetary: Mars and Mercury
Dosha: Balances Kapha and Vata; may aggravate Pitta if overheated

Safety Notes:

Should be used in moderation—high doses may be toxic. Only use Rhododendron tomentosum (true Marsh Labrador Tea), not similar-looking toxic bog plants. Avoid during pregnancy. Best as a tea in small doses.