452 /LABRADOR TEA PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINESand are stiff, coriaceous, dark green above, rust-colored and
woolly-downy underneath. L. palustre is larger, more
regularly formed and has larger leaves.
Characteristics: It has a numbing, tangy aroma and is
poisonous. It is a protected species.
Habitat: The plant grows in Greenland, Canada and the U.S.
The very similar variety L. palustre is more common in
northern Europe and northern Asia.
Production: Labrador herb is the aerial part of Ledum
Iatifolium and L. palustre.Other Names: St. James's Tea, Marsh Tea, Wild Rosemary
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Volatile oil (0.9-2.6%): chief components sesquiterpenes, in
particular ledol (ledum camphor, porst camphor) and palus-
trol, Japanese sources also yield ascaridolCatechin tannins
Flavonoids: including among others hyperosideHydroglycosides: arbutinEFFECTS
Internally mildly expectorant. Externally antiphlogistic (nei-
ther proven).CONTRAINDICATIONS
The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: Initially, the drug causes severe gastrointestinal
irritation (vomiting, gastroenteritis, diarrhea), due to its ledol
content. Following absorption, the drug causes severe CNS
excitation. This effect may lead to spasms and paralysis in
some cases.
Pregnancy: Contraindicated. Poisonings in earlier times
were seen in connection with its misuse for purposes of
abortion.
OVERDOSAGE
Following gastrointestinal emptying (inducement of vomit-
ing, gastric lavage with burgundy-colored potassium per-
manganate solution, sodium sulfate), and instillation of
activated charcoal, the treatment of poisonings consists of
treating spasms with diazepam (I.V.) and colic with atropine;
electrolyte substitution and treating possible cases of acidosis
with sodium bicarbonate infusions. Monitoring of kidney |
function is essential. Intubation and oxygen respiration may
also be necessary.DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Labrador Tea is obsolete as a drug.
It has been used as an extract in some bath additives and is
also contained in homeopathic preparations.LITERATURE
Frohne D, Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fur
Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl.. Wiss. Verlags-
Ges. Stuttgart 1997.
Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.). Hagers Handbuch der
Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8. Springer Verlag
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.
Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl.. Nachdruck, Haug
Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel. Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K. Giftpflanzen. Pflanzengifte,- Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag. Stuttgart, Jena, New
York 1995.
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The seeds are the medicinal parts.Flower and Fruit: The flowers bow down in clusters of 10 to- There are 10 to 25 cm long racemes. The calyx is short,
campanulate, pubescent and marked brown at the base. The
anthers are orange. The pod is 5 to 8 cm by 8 to 9 cm, flat,
lumpy and silky-haired with wings. The seeds are flat and
dark brown.
. Leaves, Stem and Root: Cytisus laburnum is a small shrub or
tree that can occasionally grow up to 7 m high. It has light
gray branches and smooth, dark green, initially erect
branchlets. The alternate leaves are almost in rosettes on
short shoots with 2 to 7 cm long petioles. The leaflets are
elliptical to ovate, rounded or thorn tipped. They are
glabrous above and light gray pubescent beneath.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to mountainous regions of
Europe. It is also cultivated worldwide.Other Names: Golden Chain, Pea Tree, Bean TrifoilINDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Labrador Tea has been used for respiratory
conditions. Externally, it has been used for skin
inflammation.Laburnum
Cytisus laburnum