Evidence supporting the use of: Labrador Tea
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum, formerly Ledum groenlandicum) has a longstanding history of use among Indigenous peoples of North America, particularly in Canada and Alaska. Traditionally, the leaves were brewed into a tea and consumed to help alleviate symptoms of respiratory illnesses, including bronchial congestion, coughs, and colds. The practice was adopted by early European settlers as well. Ethnobotanical records and oral histories document its use as an expectorant and to ease breathing difficulties, suggesting that its aromatic compounds might help open airways or soothe mucous membranes.
However, while traditional use is well established, scientific evidence to support the efficacy and safety of Labrador Tea for bronchial congestion is limited. Few, if any, rigorous clinical trials have been conducted. Laboratory analyses have identified terpenoids and essential oils in the plant, which could theoretically have mild anti-inflammatory or soothing effects, but direct evidence for clinical benefit is lacking. Additionally, Labrador Tea contains compounds (like ledol) that can be toxic in high amounts, raising safety concerns with frequent or high-dose use. In summary, while historical and traditional uses for bronchial congestion are well documented, scientific validation is minimal, and caution is advised.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ethanol
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
soursop
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Curcuma
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Labrador Tea
Abdominal PainAfterbirth Pain
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dislocation
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emphysema
Eye Infections
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Indigestion
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Itching