Pipsissewa(Chimaphila umbellata)
Other Names:
Ground holly, rheumatism weed
Range:
Family:
Pyrolaceae – Shinleaf Family
Growth Type:
A Herbaceous Perennial plant
Height:
Can grow to 12 in high
Leaves:
The shiny, toothed, lanceolate shaped leaves are arranged in whorls.
Stem/Trunk:
Woody stem
Root:
Taproot
Flower Season:
Late spring
Flower Appearance:
The flowers are white to pink, and grow in a small umbel of 4- 8 individual flowers. Each flower contains 4 or 5 sepals (which may be separate or attached at the base), 4 or 5 petals, and twice as many stamens as petals.
Seed/Fruit:
Seed capsule
Miscellaneous characteristics:
This plant was assigned to the Heath family, and is still listed that way in some publications. Because it shares many of the characteristics of the Heath family, some texts still list it as a member of the Heath family.
Habitat:
Dry Woods
Parts Used:
Leaves
Culinary Uses:
The leaves are edible, but they are tough and unpalatable. The leaves can be steeped to make a healthful tea. An ingredient used in soft drinks is derived from the leaves; this has led to the over harvesting of the plant in some areas.
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics
Taste: Sweet
Thermal: Warming
Humidity: Drying
Medicinal Uses:
Originally characterized as a member of the same family as wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), this plant contains methyl salicylate, a natural analgesic. Native Americans use(d) a tea of the leaves to sooth backaches, coughs, bladder infections, and kidney infections. Science has proven its effectiveness as a diuretic, tonic, astringent, urinary antiseptic and antibacterial. This is a very important medicinal plant.
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
Text
Possible Side Effects:
None Known
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Medicinal Actions:
Alterative,
Analgesic,
Antihydropic,
Anti-Inflammatory,
Antilithic,
Antiseptic,
Astringent,
Bactericidal,
Diaphoretic,
Diuretic,
Tonic: Kidney
Lithotriptic
Herbal Preparations For Chimaphila umbellata
Standard Infusion
Part Used: Whole above ground flowering plant
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 ounces of the fresh chopped plant material into a quart mason jar, and fill the jar with almost boiling water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 4-8 oz As Needed
Tincture
Part Used: Whole above ground flowering plant
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 60%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Fill the jar to the neck with chopped fresh leaves, then pour in 600 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 150 ml water. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 20-50 drops up to 4 times daily
Tincture
Part Used: Whole above ground flowering plant
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Place 150 grams of dried plant material into a quart mason jar. Now pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 250 ml of water. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 20-50 drops up to 4 times daily
