Marsh Tea
Ledi palustris herba
Sumpfporstkraut
Published September 24, 1986
Name of Drug
Ledi palustris herba, marsh tea.
Composition of Drug
Marsh tea consists of the dried herb of Ledum palustre L. [Fam. Lamiaceae], as well as preparations thereof.
The herb contains essential oil.
Uses
Marsh tea is used for rheumatic discomforts and whooping cough, also as an emetic, diaphoretic, and diuretic.
The effectiveness for the claimed applications has not been documented.
Risks
Poisonings with marsh tea due to abusive application, e.g., abortion, are frequently reported.
The essential oil, when taken internally, causes severe irritation of the gastrointestinal tract with vomiting and diarrhea, as well as irritation and damage to the kidneys and lower urinary tract.
Described also are heavy perspiration, pain in muscle and joints, excitation of the central nervous system with narcotic intoxication (a "high") followed by paralysis.
No data are available concerning the toxicity of small amounts of marsh tea herb.
Contraindications
Pregnancy.
Evaluation
Since the effectiveness of marsh tea preparations is not documented, a therapeutic application cannot be justified because of the risks.
Actions
Irritation of skin and mucous membranes.
Experimentally:
Inhibited motility
Prolongation of sleeping time after administration of barbiturates and
alcohol
Antitussive
Antiinflammatory
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