Chimaphila umbellata

Chimaphila umbellata
Family:Chimaphila umbellata; Alterative; Antibacterial; Astringent; Disinfectant; Diuretic; Rubefacient; Stimulant; Tonic.
Common name:Pipsissewa
Pipsissewa was much used by many tribes of native North American Indians to induce sweating and treat fevers including typhus. The plant contains hydroquinones which have a pronounced disinfectant effect within the urinary tract and modern day herbalism mainly employs the plant to treat urinary problems such as cystitis and urethritis. The whole plant is alterative antibacterial astringent diaphoretic diuretic rubefacient stimulant and tonic. An infusion is used in the treatment of various problems related to the urinary system it is also prescribed for more serious conditions such as kidney stones and gonorrhoea. A decoction is very efficacious in the treatment of skin diseases. Used externally the fresh leaves are rubefacient and internally they are of great use in cardiac and kidney diseases chronic rheumatism and scrofula. Only the leaves are officinal though the whole plant is often used. The plant is loaded with the biologically active compounds arbutin sitosterol and ursolic acid. Arbutin hydrolyzes to the toxic urinary antiseptic hydroquinone. The plant contains glycosides and an essential oil that are used as an astringent and tonic. The plant is harvested when in flower and the leaves on their own can be harvested during the growing season. They are dried for later use. A homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves. It is used in the treatment of inflammations of the urinary system.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 02:13 []