Labrador Tea (Ledum) organic

Labrador tea is frequently confused with marsh tea, Ledum palustre, a European and Siberian species with a separate chemistry. This oil is from the North American plant, Ledum groenlandicum, now placed by botanists in the genus Rhododendron.

01 · Origin

A low evergreen shrub of the heath family, Ericaceae, growing in peat bogs and boreal forest across Canada. The leaves are leathery, with a rust-coloured felt on the underside. The plant has a long history as a tea in First Nations and settler households. This oil is distilled from the whole plant, wild-crafted under organic certification in Canada.

02 · Chemistry

Beta-selinene, a sesquiterpene, leads the profile. Limonene, sabinene and alpha- and beta-pinene contribute a fresh terpene top. The pairing of a bright monoterpene fraction with a heavier sesquiterpene base gives a fresh opening and a persistent dry-down.

03 · In Practice

Herbaceous, resinous and slightly sweet, with a clean, coniferous edge and a woody, honeyed undertone. A middle note. Diffusion, massage blends, meditation practice and olfactory study. Used at low concentration. Blends with black spruce, fir, rosemary, lavender, cedarwood and frankincense.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.