Labrador Tea

By Orion

Labrador Tea grows in abundance around these parts.

It is a member of the Heath family and has been used by native peoples throughout the north for a myriad of ailments including colds, heartburn, kidney problems and even hangovers.

It’s leaves make a very good tea rich in vitamin C. Because of it’s high vitamin C content it makes an excellent preventative to scurvy.

The tea was also used to treat a number of skin problems including rashes.

Labrador Tea is found across the north from Greenland to Alaska and as far south as the northern continental United States.

It is found in muskeg bogs, open tundra and both white and black spruce forests.

It is normally found as a circular, low growing shrub. The leaves are 1”-2” long, shiny green on top with brown hairs on the underside. The outer edges of the leaves curl down. The flowers are tiny white clusters at the ends of the branches.

Labrador Tea is an evergreen shrub and can be found throughout the year.

It should be used sparingly at first, as some people can have an allergic reaction to it.

The picture below was taken last fall not far from home.