Labrador Tea: The Top 5 Greatest Benefits
Widely used in traditional Indigenous medicine, Labrador tea is packed with antioxidants and contains bioactive compounds that have powerful effects on the body. These include improved cell regeneration, weight loss, a lower risk of cancer, and other impressive benefits.
In recent years, it's been booming, a victim of its own success. Labrador tea infusion is a popular beverage with numerous health benefits. Today, we'll focus on just five of them.
1. Labrador tea improves overall health
Nutrients and minerals
Many of the plant components found in Labrador tea leaves are also found in the infusion. Labrador tea is therefore more than just an herbal tea; it contains large amounts of important nutrients. [1] Indeed, the plant also has small amounts of minerals that are useful for maintaining health.
Flavonoids
Labrador tea contains a lot of flavonoids, which have several important benefits for human health, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [3] , anti-carcinogenic and anti-atherogenetic. Its leaves contain a lot of natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and many diseases. Thus, antioxidants can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, thus protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals are known to play a role in aging and several types of diseases.
Tannin
The presence of tannin, gallic acid and vitexin in significant amounts in this plant suggests that it may have a broad spectrum of pharmacological activity. [4] Moreover, this substance is well known to promote heart health and act on blood vessels.
2. Labrador tea is said to be an anti-cancer agent
Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Indeed, oxidative damage is known to contribute to the development of cancer and antioxidants may have a protective effect. [5]
Labrador tea is an excellent source of antioxidants. Therefore, it may be possible that it could reduce the risk of cancer, which appears to be the case. The stem of the plant is also said to be effective against lung and colon cancer cells.
3. Labrador tea may help counter type 2 diabetes
In recent decades, type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, now affecting approximately 400 million people worldwide. The disease involves high blood sugar levels in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to produce it.
Studies show that Labrador tea can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. Additionally, recent ethnobotanical data have shown the plant has potential in treating the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. [6]
Indeed, Labrador tea is said to be very good against diabetes and obesity, which is why Ouchfoun et al. write:
In conclusion, this plant exerts a potential antidiabetic action by improving insulin sensitivity and attenuating obesity and hyperglycemia induced by a high-fat diet. They validate the safety and efficacy of this plant. [7]
4. Labrador tea reduces inflammation
The plant is known to significantly reduce tissue inflammation. This is why it is used to treat inflammatory diseases. [8]
Additionally, the essential oil contained in Labrador tea could be beneficial for several ailments. Such as allergies, bronchitis, fever, laryngitis, lymph node inflammation, skin problems of all kinds and regulation of the thyroid gland. [9]
5. Labrador tea is a natural antiseptic
Labrador tea has antiseptic properties. These are substances that interrupt or prevent the growth of bacteria or microorganisms. The disinfectant effect can be both internal and topical ( applied to the skin).
Studies have found that the oil inside this plant helps tolerance and response against Hepatitis B and C. [10] Also, it has been used and shown to be good against prostate infection. [11]
Make it part of your routine!
In order to feel better about yourself, it's essential to make choices that promote your health. Using herbal remedies is a good way to boost your immune system, reduce your chances of developing cancer, and prevent disease. With so many benefits, enthusiasts will even take it up to three times a day! It's worth making Labrador tea a regular part of your life.
If you want to try it, we have a wide range of products, picked in Quebec right here!
3 comments
Bonjour Diane,
Merci beaucoup pour ta question, c’est super pertinent et ça nous permet de clarifier des choses importantes sur le thé du Labrador.
C’est vrai que tu as raison, le thé du Labrador contient des composés qui, à très haute dose, peuvent être toxiques, comme le lédol. Par contre, la concentration de ces composés dans les feuilles est généralement faible, surtout avec les méthodes d’infusion qu’on recommande.
Quand on suggère d’infuser nos tisanes de 10 à 15 minutes dans une eau chaude (autour de 85-90 °C), c’est justement pour extraire les saveurs et les bienfaits sans aller chercher les composés qui pourraient être indésirables. Faire bouillir ou mijoter les feuilles pendant très longtemps, comme ça se faisait parfois anciennement, pourrait effectivement libérer une plus grande quantité de ces substances. C’est pourquoi on ne le recommande pas.
Pour ce qui est de la modération, comme pour bien des choses (même l’eau!), l’excès n’est jamais idéal. Cela dit, plusieurs adeptes de thé du Labrador en consomment quelques tasses par jour sans problème. L’idée d’une seule tasse par jour est une précaution qui, selon nous, n’est pas démontrée comme étant une nécessité absolue pour la majorité des gens.
En gros, en respectant la méthode d’infusion classique, tu peux tout à fait profiter de ta tisane l’esprit tranquille.
J’espère que ça répond bien à tes interrogations! N’hésite pas si tu as d’autres questions. 😊🌿
Floèm
Il n’est plus recommandé de laisser mijoter trop longtemps, et le thé du Labrador doit être consommé avec modération . On sait maintenant que cette plante contient deux types de toxines : les grayanotoxines (présentes dans d’autres membres de cette famille, comme le rhododendron et le pipeau fantôme) et le lédol. Que penser de cette information?
diane blais
Est-ce que le thé du labrador, comme les autres thés, empêche l’absorption du fer? Si oui, peut-on le prendre à 1h d’intervalle avec les plantes qui favorisent le fer? Quelle quantité par jour recommandez-vous?
Line Bernier
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