LABRADOR TEA LACHNANTHES. 157 



LABRADOR TEA. Ledum latifolium, Jacq. 



N.O. Ericacecz. 

 Syn. James's Tea. 



Part used Leaves. 



Action Pectoral, expectorant, diuretic. Is very 

 useful in coughs, colds, bronchial and pulmonary 

 affections. For internal use the infusion is taken in 

 wineglassful doses. A strong decoction has been 

 recommended for external use as a remedy for itching 

 and exanthematous skin diseases. 



Distinctive character Leaves linear - lanceolate, 

 alternate, almost sessile, 1-2 inches long and J inch 

 broad ; the upper surface dark green and smooth, the 

 under surface coated with rusty brown simple hairs, and 

 multi-cellular short-stalked glands ; the margin is 

 revolute. Taste, bitter and camphoraceous. Odour, 

 aromatic. 



LACHNANTHES. Lachaanthes tlnctorla, Ell. 



Syn. Spirit weed, Red or Paint root, Wool Flower. 

 Parts used Root, herb. 



Action Stimulating, hypnotic. Has been recom- 

 mended in cough, consumption, pneumonia, &c. Large 

 doses produce unpleasant symptoms. 



Preparation Fluid extract: Dose, 1-5 drops. 



Distinctive character Rhizome about i inch long, 

 surrounded with long, slender, deep-red roots. Leaves 

 falcate, in a basal rosette -f inch wide, sheathing at the 

 base and, as well as the stems, reddish brown when 

 dried, and reduced in size on the stem to small bracts. 

 Flowers six, parted, with three stamens in a close woolly 

 cyme. Taste, somewhat acrid. Odour, none. 



