Labrador Tea: Rhododendron tomentosum, Rhododendron groenlandicum and, Rhododendron neoglandulosum are the three species used to make Labrador Tea also known as Bog Labrador, Bog Labrador Tea, Rusty Labrador Tea, Muskeg Tea, Country Tea, Indian Tea, James Tea, Marsh Tea, and Swamp Tea. In northern Canada, the plant is known as Hudson's Bay Tea.
Secwepemc: secwsqéqxe7ten (Hudson’s Bay Tea, Trapper Tea, Labrador Tea, Indian Tea)
Tsilhqot’in: bedzɨsh ts'ediyan (Labrador Tea), Bedzɨsh Ts'ediyan ledi hendan. (Drink some Labrador Tea.)
Stl’atl’imx (Fraser River): səxw sqéqxaten (dogs wash nose)
Nlaka’pamux: k̓ecéʔ (Labrador or Trapper’s Tea) nexʷm̓ hes x̣ʷəzstene he k̓eceʔ. (I really love Labrador Tea.)
Nsyilxcen: xw uxw tł’m’íłp (small breaking-limbs plant)
English translation: Labrador Tea, Hudson’s Bay Tea, Trapper Tea, Indian Tea, small breaking-limbs plant
Family: Ericaceae
Origin: Native
Duration: Perennial
Color: Leaves green. Stems green to redish-brown. Flowers white, yellow, or cream.
Typical Bloom (varies by elevation): June - September
The slow growing shrubs used to make Labrador tea come from three species of the Rhododendron genus of plants and in the Ericaceae family, otherwise known as the health or heather family of flowering plants. These plants are a group that grow particularly well in boggy and wet, acidic infertile soils and requires partial shade. Rhododendron tomentosum, Rhododendron groenlandicum, and Rhododendron neoglandulosum are evergreen shrubs that can grow up to 5 feet tall in wet environments. The leathery leaves of these three plants are fragrant and are 2.5 cm – 7 cm long with white to red fuzzy hairs on its dark orange underside.
Labrador Tea is a bush tea that is found all over Canada and in many other countries worldwide preferring moist montane climates. The plant is particularly beautiful with long, oval shaped bright green leaves that have smooth topsides with under curling edges. When in bloom, tiny, white to yellow, showy and fragrant flowers appear as clusters at the end of the branches. Each tiny flower has five rounded petals with 8 to 10 stamens protruding from their centers.
Labrador Tea has been recognized for its many uses and benefits including as a natural insecticide. Labrador Tea contains many flavonoids that have benefits such as anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant properties. Tannin, gallic acid, and vitexin give this plant its medicinal and pharmacological importance. Along with its medicinal properties, Labrador tea also high in vitamin C and was used to prevent scurvy along with a host of other illnesses many years ago and is still used today by many peoples.
Indigenous Cultural Notes: Labrador Tea has been used by indigenous people historically to treat headaches, coughs, lung infections. A tea could be made from the dried leaves of any of the three species. This tea would be then used as a blood purifier, analgesic, general tonic, and diuretic. It was used to treat stings and burns, colds, stomach issues, and asthma. Indigenous people also used the Labrador Tea for rheumatism, arthritis, and for itchy skin recognizing its anti-inflammatory benefits. Labrador Tea was also used to braise meats and other root vegetables eaten by Indigenous people.
Interesting Facts: Labrador Tea is in the same plant family as the cranberry, blueberry, and the huckleberry all which prefer to grow in moist montane acidic soils. It can withstand low-intensity fires and will resprout from stems remaining, even its growth and health being stimulated by fire. Rhododendron tomentosum was known as northern Labrador Tea, Rhododendron groenlandicum was known as bog Labrador Tea, and Rhododendron neoglandulosum was known as western Labrador Tea or Trapper’s Tea. It is such a slow growing plant, ethical harvesting practices, only taking a few leaves from each plant, should be practiced if gathering this wild wonder. Drying the leaves out in the sun and then storing in an airtight container will keep the Labrador Tea fresh. It is important to note that concentrated doses or incorrect preparation can be toxic as well it should be avoided if you are pregnant as further research is needed to have a full understanding of its effects on the body.
Labrador Tea:
Add 5 to 10 dried leaves to a pot of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. The tea should look red-brown in colour. Its taste is mild and aromatic. Only one cup a day should be consumed.
Medicinal plant information is for historical information only. Gold Country Communities Society is not encouraging harvesting of native plants for food and/or medicine.
Researched and written by Lana Rae Brooks
https://wildadirondacks.org/adirondack-shrubs-labrador-tea-rhododendron-groenlandicum.html
accessed Aug 19, 2022
Native Plant of the Month: Labrador Tea by Joy Stewart | Dec 8, 2018 | Native plants
https://shadowhabitat.org/native-plant-of-the-month-labrador-tea/
accessed Aug 19, 2022
Labrador Tea is an Arctic Wonder -Contributed by: Heather Anderson, Kelson Miron and Keltie Morris
https://www.spiritualbotany.com/emerging-researchers/labrador-tea-is-an-arctic-wonder/
accessed Aug 19, 2022
Labrador Tea: The Top 5 Greatest Benefits
https://pilki.ca/en/blogs/blogue/the-du-labrador-5-bienfaits-sur-la-sante
accessed Aug 19, 2022
6 Amazing Benefits of Labrador Tea - John Staughton (BASc, BFA)
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/labrador-tea.html
accessed Aug 19, 2022
Appendix 2B. Names of Native Plant Species in Indigenous Languages of Northwestern North America
http://dspace.library.uvic.ca/bitstream/handle/1828/5091/Appendix%202B%20%20UVicSpace%20Indigenous%20names%20of%20native%20species_BIG.pdf
accessed Aug 23, 2022
https://www.firstvoices.com/explore/FV/sections/Data
accessed Aug 23, 2022