Labrador tea is a low - growing bush that is native to northerly region of North America , including Labrador , Newfoundland , and Alaska . It is a brave plant that is prized for its fragrant leaf and medicinal properties . grow and caring for this herb requires some special considerations , but it can be a rewarding addition to your garden . In this article , we will discuss everything you need to roll in the hay about growing and caring for this hardy shrub .
What is Labrador Tea?
Labrador Camellia sinensis ( Rhododendron groenlandicum ) is a low - growing evergreen plant shrub that is native to the northern regions of North America , including Alaska , Canada , and Greenland . It is a hardy flora that spring up in acidic and damp soil and prefers cool climates .
It is a phallus of the heath family , which includes other familiar plants such as blueberries and cranberries . It is known for its fragrant leaves , which are used for making Camellia sinensis and for medicative determination by autochthonic peoples of the North . It has been used to plow respiratory infections , ease digestive issues , and encourage relaxation .
It is also evaluate for its beauty , with small white or pink blossom that bloom in the spring or early summer . Labrador tea is a slow - grow plant that requires some special considerations , but it can be a rewarding addition to your garden .
Planting Labrador Tea
Labrador tea leaf is a slow - grow plant that favour acidic and dampish soil . It grows good in cool , humid climates , such as those found in the northern neighborhood of North America . Here are the steps to be when raise this shrub :
notice a placement in your garden that is partially shaded and has acidulous soil . It requires a soil pH of 4.0 to 5.5 . get up the soil by absent any weeds and junk . tally constitutive matter like peat moss or compost to the soil to improve its sour and drain .
industrial plant in the outflow or fall . poke a hole that is slenderly larger than the root ball and plant the bush at the same depth as it was in the container . water supply the soil thoroughly . This shrub requires regular watering to keep the ground moist . Avoid overwatering , as this can lead to origin rot .
Labrador tea does n’t need much plant food . However , you could inseminate it with a balanced fertilizer once a calendar month during the turn season . Mulch around the bush with a layer of pine acerate leaf or barque to hold back moisture and suppress weeds .
Caring for Labrador Tea
Labrador Camellia sinensis is a miserable - maintenance plant , but it still involve some care . Here are some tips on how to care for Labrador tea :
Uses
Labrador tea leaf has been used for century by autochthonous peoples of North America for its medicinal properties . It has several habit and is eff for its cool off effects , digestive property , and power to comfort skin irritations . Here are some of the uses of Labrador tea :
Respiratory Health : Labrador afternoon tea has been traditionally used to process respiratory infections , including colds , flu , and bronchitis . It has expectorant properties that help to relax and expel mucus from the respiratory parcel of land , making it easy to emit .
Digestive Health : Labrador afternoon tea has digestive properties that can assist ease digestive emergence like bloat , petrol , and upset stomach . It can also help to excite appetence and promote healthy digestion .
Skin wellness : This herb can be used locally to soothe and heal tegument botheration , including cuts , bruises , and rash . It has anti - inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to cut inflammation and promote skin healing .
calm Effects : Labrador tea has a calming effect on the skittish system and can be used to reduce focus and anxiousness . It is often used as a innate remediation for insomnia and other sopor disorder .
Culinary Uses : This herb has a unique flavor and is often used as a substitute for black tea in traditional teatime blends . The leaf can also be used as a flavoring agent in culinary looker , including marinades , sauce , and dressing .
Insect Repellent : Labrador tea leaf has been shown to fight off mosquitoes and other insects , making it a natural and safe alternative to chemic insect repellents .
In conclusion , Labrador tea is a various plant that has several medicinal and culinary use . Its respiratory and digestive properties , cutis benefits , and sedate effect make it a democratic choice for herbal remedies , while its unique flavour and insect - repellant properties make it a valuable addition to the culinary humankind .
