Pipsissewa Herb Profile

Also known as

Chimaphila umbellate, Bitter Wintergreen, Ground Ivy, Prince's Pine, Rheumatism Weed, Striped Prince's Pine, Dragon's Tongue, and Spotted Wintergreen.

Introduction

A small, perennial evergreen native to much of southern Canada and the northern United States, pipsissewa was used by native peoples to treat urinary tract infections, as well as to reduce sweating and treat fever. Its scientific name literally means "winter loving," but its leaves are collected in late summer for medicinal use. The leaves have very little scent until they are rubbed to release a pleasant but mildly "puckery" odor. It is currently used as a flavoring in root beer production, and in candy.

Constituents

Arbutin, chimaphilin, resins, oil.

Parts Used

Dried leaf usually, although all parts of the plant including stems are medicinally active.

Typical Preparations

Teas (made in boiling water), and tinctures usually and very rarely found as a capsule. Cosmetically it can be found in lotions or creams from a fresh extract.

Summary

Precautions

None known. Some people seem to react to the oil produced by crushing the leaves and may break out as a result.