My Apothecary - Labrador Tea

I have decided that Mondays I will be sharing My Apothecary.
I have been foraging for plants for many years, and I have decided to share what I have been collecting.
This is also helping me get everything catalogued and organized. Seems like a win win for everyone!

Please know that I do not sell my remedies, and I am not a doctor. My advice is to research everything. We should always be mindful in what we do to heal our vessels, our body. Many of these remedies are good for the spirit to. We are all spiritual beings, the plants are just and connected to mother earth as we are. Even more so.

It is very important to honour all beings, with respect and love. There have been times that I have gone to pick medicines, and I have heard NO. I offer the tobacco and give thanks for the wisdom.

Benefits of Labrador Tea:

• Coughs.
• Sore throat.
• Lung/chest infections.
• Diarrhea.
• Kidney problems.
• Rheumatism/arthritis/inflammatory conditions.
• Headaches.
• Cancer.
• Skin problems ( eczema, psoriasis) when applied directly.

This was one of the first plants that I learned when I moved up here. It is a staple for us. I often compliment it with chaga, pearly, or even my regular tea in the morning.
Labrador tea is a very strong medicine. I caution the dosage amounts, and be very mindful if you are pregnant.
When I harvest this fabulous medicine, I have actually heard NO, because the growth rate of this plant is slow, pick only a few leaves from each plant rather than completely harvesting leaves from individual plants. There are patches that I simply do not tell others about. I am very protective of her.

When harvesting, there is a plant that is very similar, be very careful. It is a toxic plant. Labrador tea has a fuzzy texture under the leaves. Make sure that you know your plants. Once you know, she is easy to find. Please harvest responsibly.

I cannot encourage you enough to have a strong relationship with the plants and animals around you.

I have used dried and tea.

Dried
I pick the plants around 10 am. After the dew and moisture are off the plants. I hang them upside down in small bunches to dry in a warm area out of the sun. You could also use a dehydrator.

Tea
Using fresh or dried flowers/stems/leaves, lightly crush and add to boiled water. Let steep for desired time. Teas are good for internally. I also use strong teas for baths, compresses, and washes.

Looking forward to hearing your comments and stories.
Everyone has the knowledge to their path of well being.