DCHP-1 Online
Indian tea 
1 either of two closely related evergreen shrubs, Ledum groenlandicum and L. decumbens var. palustre.
See also: Labrador tea (def. 1a)
- 1771 (1792) But as I judged, that Indian tea was of the same nature with the herbs which are recommended by that author, I had some gathered from under the snow in the woods, and gave her a pint of the strong infusion of that plant sweetened with sugar.
- 1823 Shrubs [include] . . . Labrador or India [sic] Tea. . . .
- 1938 Light springing feet of youths and maidens would make little impression on the tough bushes of Indian Tea.
2 the creeping snowberry, Chiogenes hispidula.
- 1861 Chiogenes hispidula . . . (Indian Tea). Abundant in rocky and sandy woods and swamps, amongst moss.
- 1771 (1792) But as I judged, that Indian tea was of the same nature with the herbs which are recommended by that author, I had some gathered from under the snow in the woods, and gave her a pint of the strong infusion of that plant sweetened with sugar.