Atsaqutarpak; Nunallaq Caayuq
Rhododendron tomentosum Harmaja = Ledum palustre L. ssp. decumbens (Ait.) Hultén
Plant
Narrow-leaf Labrador tea is a small, aromatic, evergreen shrub with narrow, leathery leaves and clusters of white flowers. It grows in Kodiak’s bogs, woods, and tundra habitats.
Gathering: Some people dry Labrador Tea for use after the growing season, while others only employ fresh plants. Because it is an evergreen plant, some people report gathering it in winter.
Food: People enjoy tea made from this plant as a beverage.
Medicine: Alutiiq people recommend narrow-leaf Labrador tea for lung and throat ailments, including colds, coughs, and tuberculosis, as a gargle for sore throats, to relieve asthma, to treat a fever, and to cleanse the blood. People make a tea made by boiling or brewing the plant’s leaves or chewing the raw leaves and swallowing the juice.
Lore: This plant should be treated with special respect. If possible, chew the leaf where it grows and leave the remains. If the patient is too sick to leave home, take the plant to the person, but return any unused portion to the place it was picked. Always gather Labrador tea in a clean place, away from places people regularly use. Thank the plant by leaving a small gift.
CAUTION: Use in moderation as large quantities may be toxic.
