Ledum marsh – An evergreen shrub from the genus Ledum, the heather family (Ericaceae).
Description:
A fragrant erect shrub grows up to 55-70 cm in height. The leaves are alternate, with short cuttings, have an elliptical oblong shape, entire, pointed and lowered to the bottom. White fragrant flowers are located on long and thin pedicels, collected in corymbose inflorescences. The fruits are small, elliptical capsules, 3 to 8 mm, containing small, spindle-shaped seeds. Flowering takes place from May to July, and the fruits ripen from July to August. Attention! – this is a poisonous plant! It grows in swampy areas, larch mars, common in the forest and forest-tundra zones of the European part, Siberia and the Far East.
Contains active substances:
Ledum shoots contain 1.5-7% essential oil, which contains 60-70% sesquiterpene alcohols, the main ones being ledol and palustrol. It also contains tannins, arbutin and flavonoids.
Workpiece:
Medicinal raw materials are young shoots, leafy and still non-lignified, which begin to be harvested in August – September. After drying under canopies or in dryers (no more than 40 ° C). Store raw materials in a dry cool room according to list B. Shelf life 3 years
Medicinal use:
An infusion is prepared from wild rosemary, which is used as an expectorant that helps with lung diseases – coughs, bronchitis, etc. The essential oil is used to produce the product – ledina. Used in homeopathy.