What Are Ledum & Hypericum?

Identification

• Ledum, also called Labrador tea, marsh tea or wild rosemary, is an evergreen shrub that grows 4 to 24 inches tall. The upper surfaces of the plant's downward-curving leaves are smooth and shiny, while the lower surfaces are covered in dense hair. The plant produces small white blossoms at the ends of its branches. Hypericum perforatum, also called St. John's wort, grows 1 to 3 feet tall. It has light-green linear leaves and produces yellow blossoms with black dots along the edges of the petals.

Benefits

• Herbalists recommend ledum as a topical treatment for conditions such as burns and skin ulcers. St. John's wort was traditionally used as a remedy for skin injuries and insect bites, but as of 2011 it's mainly used to treat sleep disorders, anxiety and depression.

Warnings

• Ledum has narcotic properties, according to Healthline, and can become addictive. It causes stomach aches, headaches and drowsiness if consumed in large quantities. St. John's wort can interfere with a number of different prescription medications. Consult a health-care provider before using ledum or hypericum.