Ledum

Ledum

Other name: Ledum Palustre, Wild Rosemary, Marsh Tea, Labrador tea, James Tea, Swamp Tea, Continental Tea, Lède des Marais, Ledi Palustris Herba, Lédon des Marais, Ledum Silvestre, Marsh Citrus, Moth Herb, Petit Thé du Labrador, Rhododendron palustre, Rhododendron groenlandicum, Rhododendron tomentosum var. tomentosum, Romarin Sauvage, Romero Silvestre, Sumpfporst, Swamp Tea, Te de Los Pantanos.
Known as Greenland Moss, Ledum is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 5 feet in height. Wild Rosemary, in the form of Marsh Tea, has been used since the 13th century as a method of ridding lice and other pests in households in Scandinavia. It was also used as a substitute for tea in 1773 after the tea tax was imposed in the American Colonies. Wild Rosemary was first used medicinally to help with throat infections and coughs due to its antiseptic qualities.

Special Precautions of Ledum

• There is no sufficient data that demonstrates Labrador tea is safe to consume as toxicity varies across species and localities. Excessive consumption is not recommended due to diuresis, vomiting, dizziness, and drowsiness. Large doses can lead to cramps convulsions, paralysis, and in rare cases death.
• Toxicity occurs due to terpenoid ledol found in all Labrador tea species. R. groenlandicum has the lowest toxicity due to lower levels of ledol. Grayanotoxins are also present, but few lethal human cases of poisoning due to grayanotoxins in Labrador tea have been documented. However, lethal poisonings have been documented in livestock.
• UNSAFE when taken in large amounts to try to cause abortion. It can cause severe irritation of the stomach and intestines, kidney damage, paralysis, and other serious side effects.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE to use marsh tea if you are pregnant. It can stimulate the uterus and cause an abortion. There isn’t enough information to know whether it’s safe to use marsh tea during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
• Stomach or intestinal problems such as gastritis or inflammatory bowel disease: Marsh tea might make these conditions worse. Don’t use it.
• Kidney problems: Don’t use marsh tea if you have kidney problems. It could make your condition worse.
• Urinary tract problems such as kidney or bladder infections: Marsh tea might make these conditions worse. Avoid use.
• Surgery: Marsh tea can slow down the central nervous system and cause sleepiness and other effects. There is some concern that marsh tea might slow down the central nervous system too much if it is combined with anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery. Stop using marsh tea at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• Do not take homeopathic remedies without first consulting a homeopathic practitioner. Do not take several remedies at the same time as that is often discouraged in homeopathic treatment. Take the recommended dose only and immediately report any changes in condition to your doctor.
• Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with MARSH TEA

Properties by subtype

• Ledum palustre: Astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant : Used externally, marsh tea makes a good remedy for all kinds of skin problems, boils. Internally, it stimulates the nerves and the stomach, headache. An infusion or cold extract is used for rheumatism, gout, and arthritis. A syrup made from marsh tea is sometimes used for coughs and hoarseness.
• Ledum latifolium: Expectorant, diuretic, pectoral : Useful for colds, asthma, bronchial, tuberculosis, and pulmonary problems. Externally, used for eczema, acne, erythema nodosum, gout, rheumatism, stings, tetanus, tinnitus (ringing of the ears), wounds, boils, bruises, deafness, ear inflammations, prickly heat, scabby dandruff.
• Ledum groenlandicum: Astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant : Native Americans used the leaf tea for asthma, colds, stomachaches, kidney ailments, scurvy, fevers, rheumatism, blood purifier. Externally, used as a wash for burns, ulcers, stings, chafing, poison ivy rash. Folk remedy for coughs, lung ailments, dysentery, indigestion; used externally for leprosy, itching, and to kill lice.

The benefits and uses of Ledum are

For ages, Native Americans made a tea out of Ledum leaves to help a range of ailments.

• Treats Skin Conditions: Ledum essential oil has antibacterial properties. This makes it an effective natural remedy for a wide range of skin problems. Since it helps in detoxification, it gives you healthy, glowing skin as well.
• Cuts and Wounds: Ledum tends to work best as a homeopathic remedy for cuts and wounds that may become easily infected. This would include puncture type wounds, insect stings, and deep scratches. Ledum works not only to help the body naturally defend itself against infection, but also to relieve the pain associated with these wounds. Additionally, it is helps diminish bruising, any skin discoloration and swelling that results from the injury as well. Ledum is a widely known treatment for the stings of venomous insects. It neutralizes venom and speeds recovery from poisoning. It's appropriate for any insect bite, especially those that produce severe itching and coldness at the site of the bite. The skin may be bluish or purple, feel cold to the touch and look bruised. Take a dose of Ledum as soon as you realize you've been stung. There may be arthritic joint aches and pains accompanying the early stages after being bitten.
• Eye Injuries: Ledum can be helpful to a black eye that is slow to heal. It can also work quite well for any sort of bleeding that may occur in the chamber of the eye, particularly after some sort of procedure or disruption to the area. Again, it will decrease swelling to the affected area. Ledum is recommended after an iridectomy where part of the iris is removed.
• Stiff and Painful Joints: When there is rheumatic pain such as great pain in the feet or other joints, ledum can work well as a homeopathic remedy. The pain usually starts in the feet and has an upward tendency. Ledum is also is used to alleviate gout, and swollen or stiff tendons. Ledum can help to relieve not only the pain, but the cold feeling that goes along with these conditions.
• Marsh tea is used for muscle and joint pain (rheumatism), whooping cough, bronchitis, cold, cough, and chest and lung ailments. It is also used to stimulate milk flow, cause sweating, increase urine flow to relieve water retention, and loosen phlegm. Some women use marsh tea to cause an abortion.
• Supports The Immune System: Ledum essential oil is also a supporter of the immune system. It can ensure the health of this system in your body. This in turn increases your body’s ability to fight off different ailments and diseases.
• Fights Cancer: Ledum essential oil has anti-tumoral and anti-cancer properties. This makes it a powerful defense system against different types of cancer that may develop in your body. You can also use it to prevent tumors.
• Supports Liver Health: Ledum essential oil is a great supporter of liver health. It helps in detoxifying this vital organ so that it can eliminate various harmful toxins in a proper manner. When your liver is healthy, your body is free of toxins, and you naturally keep illnesses away and maintain health.
• Relieves Congestive Cough And Cold: You can use Ledum essential oil to gain relief from colds and congestive cough. It is also an effective remedy for conditions such as influenza, fever, laryngitis, bronchitis, etc. It is a cure-all remedy that works wonders in treating these problems.
• Provides support to respiratory system.
• Supports the urinary tract.
• Heals Inflamed Lymph Nodes: This wonderful essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties (3). This is why it is widely used as a natural remedy for the treatment of inflamed lymph nodes. With this essential oil, you can effectively treat all types of inflammation.
• Fights ADD: Ledum oil is known for its effectiveness in fighting ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder. Experts have recommended it to treat this disorder as it has shown to be beneficial. You do need to remember to consult your doctor before using it as a natural treatment, especially if medication has already been prescribed.
• Treats Addiction-Based Disorders: One of the things that Ledum essential oil is renowned for is its ability to treat a wide range of disorders that are addiction-based. This is why it is highly recommended for the treatment of alcoholism.
• Calming effect on the mind.
• Release the emotions of dissatisfaction, anger and obsession.
• It will help us let go of traumatic memories and experiences that may be the root of those negative emotions. Once we release negative emotions, this oil can help us stay spiritually centered and stay in the moment.
• Ledum Essential Oil is also believed to harmonize and balance the body's daily needs.
• It has cleansing properties.

Profile Type

Ledum works as a homeopathic remedy for those who tend to get angry and anxious very easily. They may never feel satisfied even if they get what they think they want. They may go so far as to become almost demented when they become ill, and therefore they can be quite difficult for others to cope with.