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.

Energetics:

Taste: Sweet
Thermal: Warming
Humidity: Drying

Traditional 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.

Medicinal Actions:

Alterative, Analgesic, Antihydropic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antilithic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Bactericidal, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Tonic: Kidney, Lithotriptic