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HERB ALLEY
Pippsissewa
(Chimaphilla umballata)
COMMON NAMES: Bitter wintergreen,
ground holly, king’s cure, prince’s pine, rheumatism weed, wintergreen.
MEDICINAL PART: The plant.
DESCRIPTION: Pipsissewa
is a perennial, evergreen plant which favors the dry wood of the northern
temperate areas of the world. It is found everywhere in the
U.S. except the southernmost states of the east. A creeping, white
rootstock produces several angular stems growing to about a foot high.
The leathery, bright green leaves grow in whorls and are oblanceolate to
oblong with sharply serrate margins. Terminal corymbs of waxy,
white or pinkish flowers with purple centers appear from May to August.
PROPERTIES AND USES:
Astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic. Pipsissewa is particularly noted
for producing diuretic action without irritant side-effects. Prolonged
use of the leaf tea is said to dissolve bladder stones. It has also
been recommended for scrofula and rheumatic problems. With medical
supervision, it can be used for dropsy, albuminuria, hematuria, chronic
kidney problems, and gonorrhea. Externally, a tea or pultice made
from the plant can be applied to ulcerous sores, tumors, blisters, and
swellings.
PREPERATION AND DOSAGE:
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp
leaves (or plant) in 1/2 cup water. Take in the course of a day, a mouthful
at a time, unsweetened.
Tincture: Take 2 to 15
drops, as needed.
The Herb Book by
John Lust
