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Ledum - Labrador Tea

(Ledum groenlandicum)

GENERAL INFORMATION: Fat Storage and the Liver

The liver has a very long list of functions. One of these functions is the manufacture of carnitine which is essential if cells in the body are going to break down fat—rather than just store it away. If the liver becomes compromised, carnitine is not created and fat begins to accumulate in the cells. Fat accumulates first in the cells of the liver itself. The result is a fatty liver because the liver can store more fat cells than all of the other organs combined. A fatty liver used to be seen only in alcoholics. That is no longer true. Today’s lifestyle is a recipe for disaster to the liver.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH A FATTY LIVER? There are many; let me summarize just two of them here. 1) Fat cells soak up and hold onto toxins. Since detoxification of the blood is one important function of the liver, the liver gets the first shot at soaking up toxins. The more fat cells your liver has, the more toxins the liver can hold. Fat cells in the liver uptaking toxins almost sounds like a good thing, until you consider that a large percentage of new red blood cells are “born” in the liver. These new blood cells become contaminated and damaged by the toxins. They then travel throughout the body, trying to carry oxygen and nutrients to cells and organs but carrying contaminants instead. 2) The liver, magnified under a microscope looks like a pinkish/red colored filter. If the liver is filled with toxic fat, it cannot do a good job as a filter for the bloodstream.

HOW COMMON IS FATTY LIVER? In the United States, 15-20% of the general population has too much fat in their liver. Your odds are much higher if you are overweight. Fatty liver can, and does, occur in children.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A FATTY LIVER?

• You are probably overweight, especially in the abdominal area and you find it very hard to lose weight.
• You may have elevated cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.
• You may have diabetes type 2.
• You may have been diagnosed as insulin resistant.
• You will be very tired, and tired all the time.
• You will probably have a lowered immune response.

WHY THE DISCUSSION OF LIVER FUNCTION? There is clinical evidence that Ledum essential oil digests the fat cells in the liver and their toxic load.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES: hepatic (acts on the liver), cholagogue (encourage the flow of bile and the digestion of fats), diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral, antibacterial, decongestant, cytophylactic, depurative, immunostimulant

AFFINITY FOR: liver/kidney/bladder function, respiratory system, liver, mucous membranes, skin

RESONANCE: physical

PLANT FAMILY: Ericaceae

PART UTILIZED: leaves

EXTRACTION METHOD: steam distilled

AROMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: Ledum has a strong medicinal aroma, with an herbaceous twist.

APPLICATION: Ledum essential oil should always be diluted well before applying it to the body.

EMOTIONAL - SPIRITUAL - MENTAL ASPECTS: Ledum has a high sesquiterpene count. Essential oils containing sesquiterpenes cross the blood/brain barrier carrying nutrients and oxygen to the brain. These oils are very calming. This effect is felt, not just by the nervous system, but throughout the body.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS: Ledum acts as an enzyme to remedy liver dysfunction and aid in liver detoxification. Ledum’s action on the liver sets off a chain reaction of improvement throughout the organs of the body. A stronger liver creates a balanced thyroid, a stronger immune system, better functioning kidneys, and clearer skin. Ledum has been used in programs for weight management, obesity, edema, and water retention. A review of recent literature indicates that Ledum may be even more anti-carcinogenic and anti-tumoral than Frankincense.

CAUTIONS: Should not be used if you are pregnant. Its use should be avoided with very young children.

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