Ericaceae
Wild Rosemary
Ledum palustre
✗ High Risk
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Northern Europe, Siberia, Canada, Northern USA
Also known as: Marsh Labrador Tea, Wild Rosemary, Bog Labrador Tea
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory catarrh, coughs, bronchitis, insect repellent (traditional Scandinavian). TOXIC in large amounts — primarily EXTERNAL or HOMEOPATHIC use.
Herbal Actions
Expectorant, antispasmodic, insect repellent, antiseptic, diaphoretic
Active Constituents
Volatile oil (ledol — toxic, palustrol, alpha-terpineol), arbutin (urinary antiseptic), flavonoids, tannins, resin acids
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NOT recommended — ledol toxic |
| Tincture | VERY LOW DOSE (0.5–1 ml max) under professional guidance, or homeopathic only |
| Notes | Ledol (toxic terpene) causes muscle spasms and GI irritation. Traditional Scandinavian insect repellent (topical). Homeopathic Ledum 30C for insect bites (traditional use). Internal use requires professional guidance — safer alternatives available. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✗ High Risk
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Toxic at regular herbal doses. Avoid in pregnancy (abortifacient). Homeopathic use safe. Avoid internal use — ledol neurotoxic.
Side Effects: Muscle spasms, GI irritation, bradycardia, CNS depression at toxic doses. Contact dermatitis.