The leaves of the plant make a pleasing tea when steeped in water.

The Native peoples of Atlantic Canada used the tea as a general tonic medicine in the spring of the year. The tea was also used to treat a variety of kidney related problems.

The Cree named this plant muskeko-pukwan, and used it to treat fevers, colds, and other conditions.

It is reported that the labrador tea contains a substance which may be poisonous if the tea is too strong, or ingested in large amounts. While I have yet to hear of anyone being poisoned by drinking labrador tea, one may take precaution by steeping the leaves rather than boiling them in water. This is the way I prepare the tea. Boiling the leaves too strongly may release the poisonous substance.