Marsh Labrador Tea
OTHER NAME(S): James' Tea, Lède des Marais, Ledi Palustris Herba, Ledum Silvestre, Marsh Cistus, Moth Herb, Northern Labrador Tea, Petit Thé du Labrador, Romarin Sauvage, Romero Silvestre, Sumpfporst, Swamp Tea, Te de Los Pantanos, Wild Rosemary, Rhododendron tomentosum var. tomentosum, Ledum palustre, Rhododendron palustre, Té de Romero Silvestre, Lédon des Marais
Overview
Marsh Labrador tea is made from the leaves of a small, evergreen shrub called Rhododendron tomentosum. It's traditionally used as medicine.
Marsh Labrador tea contains high amounts of essential oils, which include various chemicals. Some of these chemicals can affect the nervous system and cause an abortion.
People sometimes use marsh Labrador tea for back pain, insect bites, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using marsh Labrador tea can also be unsafe.
Don't confuse marsh Labrador tea with bog Labrador tea. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Marsh Labrador Tea overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Marsh Labrador tea is likely unsafe when used in large amounts. It can cause severe stomach and intestinal irritation, kidney damage, paralysis, and other serious side effects, including death.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if marsh Labrador tea is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Marsh Labrador tea is likely unsafe when used in large amounts. It can cause severe stomach and intestinal irritation, kidney damage, paralysis, and other serious side effects, including death.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if marsh Labrador tea is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy: Marsh Labrador tea is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It can stimulate the uterus and cause an abortion. Avoid use.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if marsh Labrador tea is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Surgery: Marsh Labrador tea can slow down the central nervous system and cause sleepiness and other effects. This might slow down the central nervous system too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery. Stop using marsh Labrador tea at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Marsh Labrador TeaMarsh Labrador tea might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking marsh Labrador tea with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of marsh Labrador tea might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., and van Haselen, R. A. The efficacy and safety of a homeopathic gel in the treatment of acute low back pain: a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind comparative clinical trial. Br Homeopath J 2001;90(1):21-28.
- Hill, N., Stam, C., Tuinder, S., and van Haselen, R. A. A placebo controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy of a homeopathic after-bite gel in reducing mosquito bite induced erythema. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1995;49(1-2):103-108.
- van Haselen, R. A. and Fisher, P. A. A randomized controlled trial comparing topical piroxicam gel with a homeopathic gel in osteoarthritis of the knee. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2000;39(7):714-719.
- Kang JY, Tran KD, Seiff SR, Mack WP, Lee WW. Assessing the effectiveness of Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) in the reduction of ecchymosis and edema after oculofacial surgery: Preliminary results. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017;33(1):47-52.
- Dampc A, Luczkiewicz M. Bog Labrador tea--the aromatic beverage and spice: a review of origin, processing and safety. J Sci Food Agric. 2015;95(8):1577-83.