Labrador Tea vs Lavandula latifolia

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Labrador Tea

Rhododendron groenlandicum

Respiratory

Respiratory

Labrador Tea

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Lavandula latifolia

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Circumpolar shrub used by First Nations peoples across Canada and Alaska as medicinal tea for coughs, colds, and digestive conditions.

Mediterranean lavender with camphor-rich essential oil used for respiratory and pain conditions.

Active Compounds

ledol, palustrol, germacrenol, ericolin, flavonoids

camphor, linalool, cineole, borneol, beta-ocimene

Traditional Uses

Respiratory conditions in Cree and Ojibwe medicine, Cough and chest conditions, Headache relief, Digestive conditions and worms

respiratory infections, muscle pain, headache, wound healing

Modern Uses

Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Antimicrobial, Diuretic

expectorant, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

1-2g dried leaves steeped 5-10 minutes as tea 2x daily (dilute)

Essential oil diluted 2-3% in carrier; 2-4g dried herb as tea

Contraindications

Pregnancy, CNS depressants, Large doses toxic

pregnancy internal essential oil high doses, epilepsy

Side Effects

Drowsiness, Toxicity with concentrated preparations or high doses

GI upset internally, skin sensitization with undiluted oil

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E