Ledum essential oil comes from the leaves of the Ledum groenlandicum plant. The evergreen flowering shrub is commonly called Labrador tea, Marsh Tea, Greenland moss, etc.
Ledum is native to many regions such as Alaska, Greenland, Canada, and other parts of Northern Hemisphere.
Since ancient time the indigenous people of these regions have been using ledum as a home remedy for various illnesses. Especially Ledum or Labrador tea is an important part of folk treatments for cough, insect bites, insect repellent, rheumatism, and the common cold.
Ledum essential oil is the concentrated essence of the medicinal herb. Recent scientific evidence claim that aromatic oil has numerous bioactive constituents with therapeutic values. [1]
Read on to learn the medicinal qualities and the health benefits of ledum essential oil.
Ledum Oil Constituents and Therapeutic Values
Ledum essential oil has a unique combination of many bioactive components. The oil is a potent source of mono nutrients- alpha-pinene, tannins, fatty acids, myrtenal, cymene, and so on.
Researchers claim that the rich polyphenols in ledum oil have promising antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and insecticidal properties.
Ledum Essential Oil Potential Health Benefits
1. Ledum Essential Oil May Have Anti-Diabetic Activity.
Ledum or Labrador tea is a traditional antidiabetic plant in folk remedies.
Numerous clinical and animal research confirm the promising antidiabetic effects of ledum plant extracts.
A 2016 report in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin bioactive components in ledum have positive effects on blood glucose level, insulin, and blood sugar tolerance.
Researchers claim that the plant extracts may be an effective treatment for controlling diabetes symptoms.
2. Ledum Essential Oil May Be Good for Kidney and Liver Health.
Ledum essential oil may prevent renal problems and maintain optimum kidney and liver health.
A 2016 study in the Pharmaceutical Biology journal investigated the efficacy of ledum extracts in treating renal or kidney problems in mice.
The high-fat diet fed laboratory animals were administered with 250 mg/kg dose of ledum or Labrador tea for 8 weeks.
The result showed a significant improvement in the fatty liver condition of the rats. The therapeutic plant extracts could reduce kidney scars almost by half in the trial. Ledum essential oil may protect the liver and kidney in humans as well.
3. Ledum Essential Oil Has Powerful Anti-inflammatory Activities.
In the folk remedies of Native America, ledum leaves and twigs are popular natural cures for different inflammatory conditions.
Ledum extracts have long been used as a remedy for skin burns, asthma, rheumatisms, pain, gastrointestinal disorders, skin disease, and so on. At present researchers have found investigated the anti-inflammatory., antioxidant, and cancer activity of ledum leaf and twig.
A 2007 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology investigated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects of ledum leaves and twigs methanol extracts.
The extracts showed strong anti-inflammatory effects against oxygen and nitrogen species that may cause inflammatory disorders.
4. Ledum Essential Oil Has Anti-Cancer Effects.
Numerous scientific data suggest that Rhododendron species or ledum has promising anti-cancer properties. [2]
A 2007 study claim that the triterpene content ursolic acid in the twigs of the ledum plant may have cancer-fighting effects.
A clinical study at the University of Quebec states that ledum oil has both anti-cancer and anti-tumor qualities.
5. Other Promising Benefits of Ledum Essential Oil.
There is limited scientific research on the efficacy of ledum essential oil for the following conditions:
- Relieving stress and anxiety
- Overcoming Addictions
- Thyroid problems
- Better lymphatic functions
How to Use Ledum Essential Oil
It is recommended that you consult an expert or health professionals before using ledum essential oil. They can help you regarding the best dosage and methods of using the oil. Here are some of the common ways of using ledum essential oil:
Ledum oil massage rub: you can combine 2-3 drops of ledum oil with any carrier oil to prepare a massage blend. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the oil may soothe the tensed muscles, pain, and other inflammatory conditions. A chest rub with ledum essential oil can relieve respiratory disorders and promote good sleep.
Ledum oil as a room cleanser: the detoxifying and antibacterial qualities of the oil can keep off airborne pathogens in your living environment. You may pour 8-10 drops of ledum oil into your diffuser and spread the aroma and therapeutic components in the room.
Aromatherapy: you can simply pour a few drops of the oil on a fresh handkerchief and sniff in the energizing aroma. Anecdotal reports suggest that ledum oil aromatherapy can relieve stress, anxiety, and improve concentration.
Ledum Essential Oil Side Effects
Ledum essential oil may cause allergic reactions- itches, redness, swelling, etc. to some people. It’s recommended that you perform a patch test on a smaller region of the skin before using it as topical massage.
You should also dilute the oil in some carrier oil every time you use it topically. Experts suggest avoiding ledum oil when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. An expert should guide you in any Internal consumption of ledum oil to avoid complications.
Bottom Line
Ledum plant is an important medicinal plant among the native of North America. The leaves, twigs, and its extracts as ledum essential oil has potent therapeutic constitutes. Numerous scientific research suggest that these compounds are beneficial for human health.
We need more comprehensive scientific research to confirm the efficacy and safety of using ledum oil for various diseases in humans. Only a limited amount of research confirm the promising effects of ledum oil and its extracts in preventing inflammatory conditions, kidney and liver diseases, cancer, and high blood sugar.
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