Ledum (or Labrador Tea)
Botanical Family: Ericaceae (heather)
Extraction Method/Origin: Steam distilled from leaves—Canada
Chemical Constituents: Monoterpenes (up to 50%): l-limonene (up to 35%), p-menthatriene (<15%), α- and β-pinenes, sabinene, γ-terpinenes; Sesquiterpene Alcohols: p-menthadiene-8- ol (<17%), ledol (<3%); Alcohols: α-terpineol; Aldehydes: myrtenal; Esters: bornyl acetate & butyrate; Sesquiterpene Ketones: germacrone; Sesquiterpenes: α-selinene, selinadiene; Phenols: terpinen-4-ol.
Properties: Anticancerous, antimutagenic, antitumoral, antiviral, nerve-stimulant, and tonic.
Common Primary Uses: TTumor.
Historical Uses: Ledum tea has been used for all types of skin problems, kidney-related problems, coughs, and hoarseness. Some sources say it was used by the Eskimos of the arctic region to fight cancer. Other natives of North America have used ledum tea to fight scurvy for thousands of years. According to Laurie Lacey, “The Cree named this plant muskeko-pukwan, and used it to treat fevers, colds, and other conditions.”
Other Possible Uses: This oil may be beneficial for ADD, allergies, bronchitis, colds, edema, fever, hepatitis (viral), influenza, laryngitis, lymph nodes (inflamed), skin problems (all kinds), and thyroid regulation. It may also be a wonderful support to the urinary tract, respiratory system, and immune system as well as a powerful liver support and detoxifier (best when combined with JuvaTone). Research has indicated that this oil may contain more anticancerous and antitumoral properties than frankincense.
Body System(s) Affected: Digestive and Immune Systems, Skin.
Application: Diffuse, or apply to Vita Flex Points and/or directly on area of concern. Best diluted in one teaspoon of V-6 Oil for topical application. According to literature from Young Living Essential Oils, may also be used as a dietary supplement by diluting one drop of oil in 4 oz. of liquid (i.e. soy/rice milk or honey).
Oral Use As Dietary Suppliment: None. Although Young Living Essential Oils recommends the use of this oil as a dietary supplement, the FDA has not yet approved it for use as a food additive (FA) or flavoring agent (FL) (see 21CFR172.510 and 21CFR182.20).
Home with Helene at The Bath Castle 