What is Labrador tea?
THE Labrador tea, also called Greenland tea, is a small shrub that can measure 1 meter, found in the forests of North America, and particularly in our beautiful Quebec. Along with rhododendron, bearberry, azalea, huckleberry and cornflower, Labrador tea is a plant that belongs to the Ericaceae family.
It is mainly consumed in infusion or as condiment, but it is also found in aromatherapy or, more recently, as an ingredient in beauty products.
Its harvesting period, mostly done with a billhook, lasts around six weeks, from the beginning of July until mid-August.
His leaves are green above and orange below. They keep for quite a long time after picking.
PHOTO ROGER ASBURY, GETTY IMAGES
A bit of history
The Athabaskans, ancestors of the Navao and Apache, used Labrador tea as a beverage, but also as a medicine to combat colds, tuberculosis, dizziness, heartburn, kidney problems, and even hangovers. It was among the 17 plants designated by indigenous healers for their therapeutic properties.
During the global crisis of the 1930s and the American Revolutionary War (1775-1780), Chinese tea became increasingly scarce and was quickly replaced by Labrador tea.
Today, scientists are focusing on its high antioxidant and tannin content. Researchers at the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi have recently added antitumor properties to the list of its benefits.
PHOTO PILKI
The benefits of Labrador tea
As mentioned above, Labrador tea was and still is used for its many benefits. A good part of these properties are found in its essential oil which is considered anti-inflammatory (Dufour et al., 2007), antispasmodic, antibacterial, decongestant and possibly antitumor. It would also be a liver drainer and a liver cell regenerator (Burgesse, 1944; Chandler et al., 1979; Turner, 1980).
So here are some of its benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic natural
(Moerman, 1998; Rousseau, 1947)
Labrador tea is known to significantly reduce tissue inflammation and has antiseptic properties. The disinfectant effect can be both internal and applied directly to the skin. On the anti-inflammatory side, The essential oil contained in Labrador tea could be beneficial for several ailments, such as allergies, bronchitis, fever, laryngitis, lymph node inflammation, skin problems of all kinds and regulation of the thyroid gland.
Studies have discovered that the oil inside this miracle plant helped tolerance and response against Hepatitis B and C, just as it will be good against prostate infection.
- Reduces the risk of cancer
(McGill et al., 2018)
Labrador tea is an excellent source of antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of cancer.In addition, the stem of the plant is also effective against cancer cells such as lung and colon carcinoma.
- Good against diabetes and obesity
(Fraser et al., 2007; Leduc, Coonishish, Haddad, & Cuerrier, 2006; Spoor et al., 2006; Tendland, Pellerin, Haddad, & Cuerrier, 2012)
Studies show that Labrador tea can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, recent ethnobotanical data have shown the plant has potential in treating the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
- Keep moths away
These fearsome insects feed on the fibers of your clothing. To combat this scourge, use dried and crushed Labrador tea leaves. Place them in a bag and place it in your wardrobe or closet.
"Labrador tea exerts a potential antidiabetic action by improving insulin sensitivity and attenuating obesity and hyperglycemia induced by a high-fat diet. They validate the safety and efficacy of this plant (trans.)." (Ouchfoun et al., 2016)
PHOTO PILKI
How to prepare Labrador tea?
For an infusion to drink
Labrador tea is not brewed like regular tea. It requires a longer, more controlled infusion time.
Regarding the water used, it is best to use filtered, distilled, or well water for infusions so that it is pure. Minerals or chlorine present in tap water would alter the taste of your tea. Do not boil your water. 90/95 degrees will be perfect to best release the aromas of your tea. Excessive heat with boiled water would damage your leaves, diminishing the benefits and altering the taste.
Regarding the amount to brew, start with 2 teaspoons or a few whole leaves per cup of water (250 ml). You can adjust the amount the next time you find your brew more or less strong. Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong amount; really, go according to your taste.
So in summary:
- Warm your cup (always important to avoid shocking the water and to keep it warm)
- Use filtered or distilled water
- Heat the water between 90 and 95 Maximum °C
- Add 2 teaspoons of Labrador tea
- Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes (no longer)
- Taste
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
When preparing the tea, do not let it steep for too long. This will release too much tannin, which could upset your digestion. In large doses, Labrador tea can cause spasms, gastrointestinal irritation, and nervous disorders. Therefore, avoid consuming large quantities: one cup per day is sufficient.
Its consumption is also prohibited for pregnant women and children.
For external application
By Externally, Labrador tea is used to relieve pain, such as migraines, or as an antiseptic.
To do this, in ½ cup of water, prepare a tea concentrate with 1 tablespoon of dried and crushed leaves. Let it infuse for 10 minutes and cool. On a compress, pour the cooled liquid thus obtained then apply to the area to be treated (on the neck and the forehead for a migraine for example).
