Lush verdant plants, be it short shrubbery, tall trees or climbing vines, provide much more than nutritious food and sustenance in the form of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, for enhanced physical fitness, mental wellness and overall health. Yes indeed, the myriad species of flora bequeathed by Mother Nature also deliver tremendous medicinal uses to treat a host of diseases, from seasonal allergies to chronic ailments. One such phenomenal healing plant is Ledum palustre, commonly called marsh labrador tea, wild rosemary and scientifically termed Rhododendron tomentosum, which possesses brilliant analgesic i.e., pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities. This evergreen small shrub has been widely utilized in curing numerous disorders such as tissue wounds, insect bites, arthritis since ancient times, in folk medicine of chilly Arctic territories and in Homeopathy, a traditional Indian system of medicine.
Native to the cold regions in North America, Europe, Asia, ledum palustre is however, chiefly available only as a homoeopathic remedy in India, prepared from dried, powdered plant extracts diluted in water and alcohol. But in the frosty northern European and American wilderness, a herbal brew is made using the leaves, known as labrador tea, the name being designated thus, due to the extensive proliferation of the Rhododendron shrubs in Labrador, Canada and Greenland. This pale golden infusion with a minty, citrus flavour and a subtly sweet aftertaste, is a popular home remedy to relieve respiratory issues such as asthma, cough and nasal congestion, thanks to the significant expectorant properties of ledum palustre. Labrador tea is even used to impart an invigorating aroma and refreshing flavour to Nordic cuisine recipes of meat dishes, soups and desserts, owing to its astonishing curative traits.
Also Read: Medicines And Mother Nature Can Help Combat Asthma
Foray this article, to discover the wonderful health benefits, umpteen therapeutic uses and side effects of Ledum Palustre.
The Rhododendron Tomentosum Plant:
Ledum Palustre is an evergreen shrub that was formerly called so in scientific nomenclature but is now known by the botanical name Rhododendron tomentosum and this evergreen shrub belongs to the plant family Ericaceae. This potent herb is commonly referred to as Marsh Labrador Tea, Wild Rosemary, Northern Labrador Tea, Marsh Cistus and sometimes simply as Labrador Tea, which denotes both the plant as well as the herbal drink made from its leaves. Ledum palustre is a small-sized shrub, which usually grows up to a height of 1 to 1.2 meters, bearing heaps of rounded branches that have a rust-coloured coating and a gray or ash stem and bark. It thrives in peaty soils in moors as well as shrubby areas of woods and forests, in cold Tundra habitats and other frozen locales in the Arctic vicinities of the Northern Hemisphere. Ledum palustre is ubiquitous in the USA, Canada in North America, Russia, Scandinavian countries in Europe, China, Japan, India and Korea in Asia.
This plant holds many leaves that are about 5 cm long arranged alternately along the stem, that have short stalks, are lanceolate and curved on edges. These thin, filamentous leaves are smooth, green and gleaming above, while being red with tiny feather-like projections on the surface below. Upon budding, the ledum palustre shrub houses flowers that are in bright white or pale rose hues. This powerful herb has an overpowering energizing fragrance and a distinctly sour, camphor-like taste. All sections of the Ledum Palustre shrub, from the roots, bark, stem, leaves, flowers are edible and comprise astounding medicinal constituents, thereby being a panacea for numerous health complaints.
Bioactive Constituents In Ledum Palustre:
Ledum palustre encompasses a treasure trove of biochemicals derived from plants, that are very effective in treating several health concerns, from insect stings and skin infections to wheezing and joint pain. It contains vast reserves of terpenes, potent compounds that regulate the functioning of the nervous system. it also holds ample quantities of procyanidins, quercetin, myricetin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, ledol, myrcene, cyclocolorenone, myrtenal, palustrol, limonene, polyphenols, flavonoids and catechin. These plant-based substances showcase noteworthy anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-diarrheal characteristics.
Health Benefits And Medicinal Applications Of Ledum Palustre:
Mitigates Joint Aches In Arthritis
Ledum palustre is imbued with profuse amounts of anti-inflammatory elements, which lower the formation of harmful cellular markers in the system in instances of rheumatoid arthritis. Taking ledum palustre decoctions aids in alleviating joint pain, muscle aches, tenderness, redness, swelling in the connective tissues, strengthen bones and eases stiffness in the joints.
Also Read: World Arthritis Day: Simple And Effective Tips To Manage Joint Pain
Remedies Diarrhoea
Bestowed with gut-enriching components, ledum palustre herbal infusions assist in resolving diarrhoea, dysentery, by efficiently combatting the microbial infections plaguing the gastrointestinal tract. It significantly regulates bowel movements, adds bulk to fecal matter, rectifies loose stools and allays pain, muscle cramps and discomfort in the body, to improve gut health and digestion.
Promotes Respiratory Wellness
Ledum palustre is touted for its marvellous expectorant attributes, which work as a natural solution for several respiratory issues of cough, cold, fever, asthma, sore throat, nasal congestion, wheezing and bronchitis. The wealth of terpene compounds in this herb remove phlegm, mucus that is trapped in the lungs, bronchi and nasal passages, to remedy breathing difficulty, improve lung capacity and provide instant relief from cold and cough.
Pacifies Injuries And Skin Infections
A storehouse of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds, ledum palustre is a very effective topical remedy, often used as an essential oil, to treat myriad skin woes, tissue damage and superficial infections caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is even beneficial in healing swelling and edema after surgeries, by accelerating wound healing processes in skin cells and healing the impaired tissues.
Keeps Diabetes In Check
Ledum palustre contains powerful antioxidants which scavenge free radicals and prevent them from oxidising healthy cells in the body, thereby helping manage symptoms of diabetes. Moreover, this herb increases the uptake of glucose by the cell sin the body, thereby lowering blood sugar levels, improving insulin activity and ameliorating disturbing indications in diabetes.
Conclusion:
Ledum palustre is truly a valuable herb that helps resolve numerous health anomalies of joint pain in arthritis, diarrhoea, asthma and cough, as well as control blood glucose levels in diabetes. It is recommended to consult with a certified homeopathic doctor before ingesting the ledum palustre concoction, to ensure taking it in the right doses and avert any side effects. While ledum palustre essential oil can be applied topically on skin to treat infections and injuries, it is advised to consult with a physician prior to taking labrador tea, as it is a potent infusion which could trigger headaches and dizziness.
