Medicine

Rhododendron tomentosum ssp. subarcticum (northern Labrador tea), Rhododendron tomentosum subsp. decumbens

Qijuktaaqpait means “a large amount of fuel for a fire.” The plants in Nunavut have smaller, more tightly rolled leaves and flowers with petals that are a different shape than those in Labrador. Some botanists have considered the Nunavut plants to be a different subspecies.

The Inuit of Baffin Island used the stems as a sort of chewing tobacco, and the leaves were put in the actual smoking mixture. The leaves and stems can also be used to boil into a tea, although it should not be boiled for longer than ten minutes because of a chemical compound it contains. Even the flowers can be collected and added to the drink. Inhaling the vapours from this tea helps to clear congested nasal passages.

Tea was used to calm people before surgery, for strength after blood loss, and as a remedy for bladder problems. It was generally taken for any aches or pains. For sore throats, Labrador tea could be mixed with seal fat and rubbed on the outside of the throat. source


Preparation:Whole or broth Use:Sick
Preparation:Broth Use:Sore throat, cough

Tea, tundra, herb and laborador combination (Alaska Native) per 100 grams

Glycemic Load:0
Total Carbohydrate 0.2g

Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 2.0mg
Folate 1.0mcg
source (data incomplete) Sodium132mg