Labrador tea, a local treasure!
Its leaves are harvested year-round throughout Quebec, particularly in the Saguenay boreal forest where it grows in abundance. It is a very hardy deciduous shrub despite our climate, which fluctuates from one extreme to the other.
Labrador tea ( Ledum Groenlandicum ) has been a favorite with Native Americans for a long time. They chewed the leaves and also used them to flavor food. (1) But above all, this plant was at the top of their list of plants designated to relieve various ailments and diseases (for example: burns, chapping, insect bites, skin inflammation, etc.)
Among its therapeutic virtues (2) :
- Antioxidant (3 times more antioxidant than vitamin C, 4 times more than grape seed extract, 20 times more powerful than idebenone (a comparable of co-enzyme Q10) and 140 times more than vitamin E).
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Painkiller
- Antispasmodic
- Decongestant and possibly antitumor
- Liver drainer
- Liver cell regenerator
Serving beauty
After years of research, researchers at the University of Quebec in Chicoutimi have developed a proprietary extraction process (3) for the exceptional anti-aging properties of this plant. Its antioxidant power stands out: the flavonoids and phenols it contains can combat the appearance of wrinkles. It also contains ursolic acid, which helps preserve skin elasticity. It has a prominent place among high-end anti-aging skincare and makeup.
A local treasure to discover, try and enjoy!
(1) https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/HerbierMedicinal/Plante.aspx?doc=the_labrador_hm#
(2) https://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/54109e8d-bc8d-4657-a47d-a2ce50048f82__7C___0.html
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