Name        Ledum Essential Oil, Canada

Category  Essential Oils

Species    Ledum groenlandicum

Part           Herb

Method     Steam Distilled

Class        Monoterpene

Country    Canada

Code         LedGro7

Ledum Essential Oil, Canada

Ledum Essential Oil, Canada, (Ledum groenlandicum), also known colloquially as "Labrador tea," Ledum is a strong aromatic herb that has been used for centuries in folk medicine. 

Key Constituents:

Limonene [20-35%]

Cis- and Trans-Paramenth (7) 8 Diene 8-ol [12-17%]

Cis- and Trans-Paramenthatriene 1,3,8 [8-15%]

Action:  Ledum oil is known to be anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antibacterial, hepatoprotectant, a diuretic, and a decongestant.

Traditional Uses:  Known colloquially as "Labrador tea," Ledum is a strongly aromatic herb that has been used for centuries in folk medicine.  The native people of Eastern Canada used this herb for tea, as a general tonic, and to treat a variety of kidney-related problems.  Ledum has helped protect the native people of North America against scurvy for more than 5,000 years.  The Cree Indians used it for fevers and colds.

Indications:  Liver dysfunctions, hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, obesity, laryngitis, bronchitis, allergies, influenza, edema, and thyroid regulation.

Other Uses:  Ledum can be used for all types of skin problems, for coughs, hoarseness, stomach discomfort, prostate infection, congested prostate, insomnia, and allergies.

Application:  Diffuse or apply topically diluted 1 drop to 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil/carrier oil.  As a dietary supplement dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 4 fluid ounces of rice milk.

Fragrant Influence:  A strong aromatic.

Safety Data:  If using topically, always dilute (one drop essential oil in one teaspoon vegetable oil).

Companion Oils:  Frankincense oil, Goldenrod oil, Wintergreen oil or Birch oil, Lemon oil, and Sage oil.