English
Labrador Tea, Swamp Tea, Labrador Tea, James tea, Marsh tea, Hudson Bay Tea, Wild rosemary, Continental tea
Latin
Ledum groenlandicum
Anishinaabemowin
Mashkiigobag, Muskeegobug Aniibi, Mashkigobag Aniiblishan, Wesawa’baguk, Mamiji’baguk, Mamizhi’baguk, Omashkiigobag(oon)
Physical Description
Low ornamental plants from 1-6 ft. High, having narrow, dark leaves lined underneath with rust-coloured woolly hairs and bearing white, bell-shaped flowers in the early spring. Common in North America and is found as far south as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Growth environment: moist to dry peat and dry, rocky parts of the northern regions. (Indian Herbalogy of North America)
Uses & Preparation
The leaves of Labrador Tea have been used as a pectoral, a tonic and an astringent. They are very useful in treating coughs, colds, headaches, diarrhoea, stomach sickness, rheumatism and pains in the chest. A strong decoction is also used externally as a remedy for itching and exanthematous skin diseases, bruises, wounds, bleeding and rheumatism. (Medicines to help us)
Sources
Indian Herbalogy of North America
Medicines to help us