Genus: Rhododendron
Common name: Ledum palustre. March Tea. Labrador Tea.
Family: Ericaceae (Rhododendrons, azaleas, cranberry, blueberry, heathers)
Ledum palustre is an evergreen shrub that grows 2 – 4 feet and is covered with dense clusters of sweet smelling white flowers, which can induce a headache. Native to alpine marshes of northern regions, its leaves have been used as a tea substitute as well as an insect repellent to destroy lice, bed bugs, fleas, beetles, and other creepy crawly pests. Although bees are attracted to the smell of ledum, their honey is bitter. In Nordic cultures, ledum was used in beer instead of hops and caused strong intoxication that could lead to rages and criminal behavior.
The homeopathic remedy Ledum is used acutely for puncture wounds, including insect and animal bites or stings. It will prevent a septic state and can prevent tetanus and Lyme disease. The wounded area feels cold instead of hot and often there is a white in the center with redness radiating around the wound. The area may become puffy, look mottled, bluish, or pale. The wound feels better with cold water or an ice-cold compress. This remedy is also helpful for a black eye that has bruised after an injury. Ledum is also used for gout, sprained ankles, and joint pains in the hands and feet that feel better with cold and cold applications. The person may be angry, irritable, and want to be left alone.
Keynotes:
- Number one remedy for puncture wounds and deep animal bites
- Number one remedy for sprained ankles and black eyes
- Prevents tetanus and Lyme disease
- Pain is better from cold and cold applications
- Wound feels cold and feels better from a cold compress
- Bruising and swelling
- Swollen feet and ankles, gout of knees and feet
- Rheumatism of lower limbs and joint pain better from ice cold applications
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