Labrador Tea: Uses, Risks, and How to Use It Safely

Labrador tea is an old-school herbal brew many people in northern Canada and Alaska have used for coughs, colds, and as a warming drink. It’s not the same as black or green tea — it comes from a group of low shrubs in the Rhododendron family (some species were once called Ledum). People like its earthy aroma and mild flavor, but this plant also needs respect because it contains compounds that can cause side effects in large amounts.

What labrador tea is and how people use it

Traditionally, Indigenous communities used labrador tea in small amounts for mild respiratory complaints and as a ceremonial or everyday drink. Today, some folks sip it like any herbal tea; others use it rarely as a folk remedy. You’ll find it sold dried or as loose leaves. If you’re curious, try a small cup first to see how your body reacts — some people report nausea or dizziness if they drink too much.

Preparing it is simple: use one small teaspoon of dried leaves per cup, steep in hot (not boiling) water for 5–10 minutes, then strain. Don’t brew a big pot and sip all day; that raises the chance of unwanted effects. If you smell anything off or feel odd after drinking it, stop and talk to a healthcare pro.

Safety, interactions, and smart buying tips

Even natural plants can cause problems. Labrador tea contains compounds that may be toxic in high doses. Avoid frequent, high-volume use. Pregnant and breastfeeding people, children, and people with serious health conditions should skip it unless a doctor says it’s okay.

It can also interfere with medications. If you take blood pressure drugs, sedatives, blood thinners, or other regular prescriptions, check with your pharmacist or doctor before trying labrador tea. Ask whether it might increase side effects or change how your meds work.

Want to buy it? Pick reputable sellers: look for established herbal shops or Canadian suppliers that test for purity and contaminants. Avoid roadside or unknown wild-harvested packs unless you trust the source. If you do harvest wild, be 100% sure of identification — some lookalike plants can be harmful — and avoid plants growing near roads or industrial sites.

Questions to ask a seller: do you test for pesticides and heavy metals? Is the species listed (for example, Rhododendron groenlandicum)? How was it harvested and stored? Good answers mean you’re less likely to get a contaminated product.

Labrador tea can be a pleasant, traditional drink when used carefully. Treat it like any therapeutic herb: start small, avoid frequent use, check for drug interactions, and buy from reliable sources. If you’re unsure, a quick chat with a pharmacist or family doctor will clear things up and keep you safe.