TERMIUM Plus®

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OIL LEDUM [1 record]

Record 1 2011-01-24

English

Subject field(s)
  • Chemical Elements and Compounds
Universal entry(ies)
C15H26O
formula, see observation
DEF

Sesquiterpene from the essential oil of leaves of Ledum palustre, having a molar mass of 222.41 g/mol.

CONT

Despite its name, Labrador tea is not the wholesome beverage that tradition would have us believe. Brewed in hot water, the leaves produce a toxic chemical called ledol which, consumed in sufficient quantity, causes severe cramps and paralysis.

CONT

The cousin to wild rosemary, Labrador tea ("Ledum glandulosum" formerly "L. latifolium"), was used in the 17th and 18th centuries in Canada in brewing. In the United States "Ledum goenlandicum" (variety of "Ledum palustre") and "L. glandulosum" grow in swampy and wet places, especially the Pacific Northwest. Wild rosemary ("L.p.") contains a volutile oil, "ledum oil", with strong inebriating effects. The aromatic ledol (in "L.g.") is sedative and slightly narcotic and similar to camphor in that it can cause cerebral irritation in large amounts.

OBS

Ledum palustre: This name must be italicized.

OBS

ledum: A genus of ericaceous shrubs, commonly known as Labrador tea, used in the pharmacopoia.

OBS

Chemical formula: C15H26O

French

Domaine(s)
  • Éléments et composés chimiques
Entrée(s) universelle(s)
C15H26O
formula, see observation
DEF

Alcool de formule [...] extrait de l'essence de Ledum palustre.

OBS

Ledum palustre : Ce nom s'écrit en italique.

OBS

Formule chimique : C15H26O

Spanish

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