There are hundreds of species of rhododendrons. Several of them are used in Oriental medicine and as a culinary food in Tibet and other areas of the world. All species of rhododendron (including the subspecies, azalea) are highly toxic. Knowing your species, application, and dosing is critical. All rhododendron plants are not created equal, except they all contain toxic compounds! That said, new studies are confirming that species used in Oriental medicine do have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver protecting potentials and burans, a popular juice made from the flowers of a particular variety native to the Himalayas, is popularly used in cooking and as a medicine. Know your species and never take or use large quantities!
Discover Rhododendron (Man Shan Hong) and other herbs by visiting our Herb Directory.