Botanical Name
- Family Ericaceae
- Chimaphila umbellata
Common Names
- Prince's Pine, Ground Holly, Umbellate Wintergreen, Butter Winter, King's Cureall, Love in Winter, Rheumatism Weed, King's Cure
Cautions
- Not for long-term use.
Description
Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, Pipsissewa is an evergreen plant that grows around the world in temperate climates, thriving in woods and shady places in sandy soil. It has several stems and grows to about eight inches, producing shiny, wedge-shaped leaves and small flat-topped clusters of white flowers tinged with red. It is now extensively grown in Europe, Asia, Siberia, and North and South America, and is a protected species in Germany. The leaves are gathered in summer.
History
It was much used by Native North Americans, especially the Okanagan-Coleville, Iroquois, and Delaware, to induce sweating and to treat such fevers as typhus. They also used it for kidney and bladder complaints, to regulate menstruation, and externally for skin diseases, including smallpox. They also used it to treat childbirth complications, respiratory problems, rheumatism, stomach cancer, constipation, venereal disease, and heart ailments.
European settlers used the herb for rheumatism and urinary and kidney problems.
Pipsissewa was listed in the US Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1916.
Key Actions
- astringent
- antiseptic
- antimicrobial
- anti-inflammatory
- diuretic
- hypoglycemic
- tonic
- wound healer
Key Components
- hydroquinones (including arbutin)
- flavonoids
- triterpenes
- methyl salicylate
- tannins (4-5%)
Medicinal Parts
- Leaves
Traditional Uses
Like Uva Ursi, Pipsissewa contains quinine, which is a urinary antiseptic and used to treat urinary tract infections, including cystitis and urethritis. It has also been prescribed for more serious conditions as gonorrhea and kidney stones.
Its diuretic properties increase urine flow, which removes wastes from the body and is, therefore, beneficial in treating rheumatism and gout.
The fresh leaves can be applied to rheumatic joints or muscles, as well as blisters, sores, and swellings.
Homeopathic uses include chronic inflammation of the urinary tract, prostate gland, and mammary glands.