Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines: Chimaphila, Pipsissewa

Two varieties of Pipsissewa have documented use in Herbal Medicine and both grow in my region: Chimaphila maculata - Spotted Wintergreen and Chimaphila umbellata - Pipsissewa

These are very small plants that most would not recognize as shrubs. They grow less than six inches tall. This herb is often called wintergreen, although true wintergreen is another small shrub called Gaultheria. Both plants are used medicinally.

Mrs. Grieve tells us:

The name Chimaphila is derived from two Greek words meaning 'winter' and 'to love.' There are two varieties of this plant, Chimaphila umbellata and C. maculata. The former alone is the official plant, a small evergreen perennial with a creeping yellow rhizome, which has several creeping, erect or semi-procumbent stems, angular, marked with the scars of former leaves, and woody at the base. These are 4 to 8 inches high, with the leaves on upper surface, shiny, coriaceous, dark green and underside paler. Flowers corymbose, light purple colour, corolla five cream-coloured petals, fragrantly perfumed, purplish at base. Capsule erect, depressed five-celled, five-valved, numerous seeds, linear, chaffy. It flowers May till August; leaves when dried have only a slight odour, but when fresh and rubbed are sweet-smelling; taste astringently sweetish and not disagreeably bitter.

Constituents---Leaves contain various crystalline constituents, Chimaphilin, etc. also arbutin gum, resin, starch, pectic acid, extractive fatty matter, chlorophyll tannic acid, sugar, potassa, lime, iron, magnesia, chloride of sodium, sulphuric phosphoric and silicic acids.

Medicinal Action and Uses---Diuretic, astringent, tonic, alterative. The fresh leaves, when bruised and applied to the skin, act as vesicants and rubefacients, of great use in cardiac and kidney diseases, chronic rheumatism and scrofula. The decoction is advantageous for chronic gonorrhoea, strangury, catarrh of the bladder, and a good cure for ascites. It is said to diminish lithic acid in the urine; for dropsy it is useful combined with other medicines; it is a substitute for uva-ursi and less obnoxious; said to be of value in diabetes, but this has not yet been confirmed; and it is very efficacious for skin diseases.

The Cherokee used Spotted Wintergreen:

Wash the roots and beat them up and make a poultice for headaches or any kind of pain. Make a tea of the tops and roots for colds and “LaGrippe” (flu). Drink a root tea if feverish inside. A tea for colds and fever. Drink a tea for women’s pains.

The Lumbee also used Pipsissewa or “ratsy tail”:

.. called “kiupsiwi” or fireflower in the native language of the Lumbee. “Pipsissewa is an Algonquin Indian word, referring to the plant’s ability to break up bladder or kidney stones. The entire plant was collected in a bunch approximately one half inch in diameter and was boiled in a quart of water. The Lumbee healer would usually prescribe a tablespoon of the liquid to be used three times a day for a livestock tonic.

… Lumbee healers aso used “Pip” to strengthen the stomach and treat pain. Pipsissewa tea was also suggested for the treatment of female ailments, backache and fever… in a poultice or salve form as an external treatment for cancer, rheumatism, dropsy and urinary problems. … as a wash to aid in the treatment of rheumatism, scrofula, external cancer and ulcer. … A poultice was manufactured from the leaves for treatment of pain. A tea was prepared from the leaves to aid in the treatment of colds, fevers, and to cause a baby to vomit.

In Thomsonian System of Medicine:

PIPSISWAY, OR RHEUMATIC WEED.

(Dr. Thomson.)

PIPSISSEWA. PRINCE'S PINE. Chimaphila.

(Dr. Greer.)

PIPSISSEWA. Chimaphilla Umbeltata.

(Dr. Lyle.)

This herb grows on mountains, and on pine plains where the Boxberry or Checkerberry is found. It is an evergreen, and grows from three to six inches high, has a number of dark green leaves about half an inch wide and from one to two inches long, with a scolloped edge; bears several brown seeds resembling allspice. The tops and roots are used for medicine. The roots, when chewed, are very pungent, and will be felt for several hours on the tongue as though burnt. A strong tea made of this plant is good for cancer and all scrofulous humors, by drinking the teaand bathing with it the parts affected.

This is a well known evergreen herb, growing wild in the woods, and frequently spoken of as ground holly. As a remedy for dropsy and kidney troubles it has long enjoyed a good reputation. Its peculiar tonic and alterative properties, combined with a small amount of astringency, render it valuable in weakness of the kidneys and bladder. Combined with poke berries and American sarsaparilla, as a syrup, with a little citrate of lithia added, it is most excellent in rheumatism. A small amount of pipsissewa added to the compound syrup of yellow dock will add to the efficiency of that preparation in scrofulous and other blood troubles, where the urinary organs are particularly weak.

The leaves are a mild stimulating and relaxing alterative, influencing especially the glandular system, the lymphatics and secrements.

As a good cleansing agent it carries off effete matter and relieves the liver, kidneys and skin. In scrofula it is one of the best agents. Should be used very freely.

In phthisis and cancer it assists much in the relief of the blood current from impurities and waste material. In dropsy it relieves and tones the kidneys. In gonorrhoea it is soothing to the mucous membrane and cleansing to the blood current. In syphilis it is of no little importance, but in certain stages, may have to be combined with more stimulating agents. It is also useful in vaginal and uterine weakness, and in leucorrhoea; in rheumatism, especially when it arises from some impurities of the blood; in cystic catarrh, spermatorrhoea, typhoid and other fevers; in urinary obstructions, and coughs and colds. It is valuable not only for its alterative influence but for its diuretic action in cleansing the mucous membrane of accumulated solids or mucous. Combined with uterine tonic it does well in leucorrhoea and gonorrhoea. In depressed and very debilitated cases it is best that more stimulating agents be added. Combined with syrup macrotys you have a good remedy for coughs and colds.

Resources of The Southern Fields and Forests tells us:

SPOTTED WINTER-GREEN, (Chimaphila maculata, Pursh; Pijrola maculata, Linn.) Shaded soils; diffused; collected in St. John's; vicinity of Charleston; Newbern.

Chap. Therap. and Mat. Med. i, 313; Eberle, Mat. Med, ii, 321 ; Ell. Bot. Med. Notes, 505 ; Eat. Man, Bot. 240; Bell's Pract, Diet. 128; Mitchell's Inaug. Thesis, 1803; Ed. and Vav. Mat. Med. 320; Pc. Mat. Med. and Therap. ii, 380; U. S. Disp. 208 ; Bart, Collec, ii, 21 ; Lind, Nat, Syst. Bot. 219; U. S. Disp. 207; Frost's Elems. Mat. Med. 281. See C. umbellata.

"Every part of the plant is possessed of considerable activity ;" and it is very valuable as a diuretic in dropsy. See Mitchell's Thesis, and Dr. Summerville's paper in Lond. Med, Chirurg, Trans, vol. V. It is particularly useful in those cases attended with disordered digestion and general debility, for in these its tonic properties and general acceptability to the stomach prove highly useful auxiliaries to its diuretic powers. It has been successfully administered in ascites, in dysuria and ischuria, gravel, stangnry,  acute rheumatism, and in various intermittent disorders. The Indians considered it of universal efficacy; but employed it particularly in nephritic, scrofulous and rheumatic disorders. Dr. Wood, in the U. S. Disp., states that it does prove of benefit in obstinate, ill-conditioned ulcers, and cutaneous eruptions supposed to be connected with a strumous diathesis : used both internally' and locally as a wash. The decoction and watery extract are employed. A popular prejudice has existed against this plant; it has received the name of poison pipsissewa; and Mitchell considered it inert; but its resemblance to the winter-green, Griffith thinks, should make us question the correctness of this opinion.

In times of war when there is need for tonics and diuretics, in dropsy, or swelling following low and protracted fevers among our soldiers, no plant will be found more serviceable than the pipsissewa. It is aromatic, tonic and diuretic. It can be easily collected in shady woods, in almost every part of our Southern country.

The black alder {Alnus serrulata) is also an astringent diuretic. The catkins or flowerets, dissolved in whiskey, is a domestic remedy in South Carolina — relied on by many, Dr. E. Moore informs me, in gonorrhea in place of copaiba. Pills of pine gum are given together with it.

PIPSISSEWA; WINTEK-GIIEEN ; GROUND HOLLY,

(Chimaphila umbellatn, Nutt.) North Carolina and northward.

Both the C. umbellata and macxdata are used. Dr. Thompson says of the P. umbellata: "It is diuretic and tonic. It has been given successfully in ascites, after digitalis and other diuretics had failed ; and has also proved serviceable in acute rheumatism and intermittents. It produces an agreeable sensation in the stomach soon after it is swallowed; increases the appetite, and acts powerfully on the kidneys." The whole plant is decocted.

One of these plants may be used extemporaneously among troops for its combined tonic and diuretic properties, associated with astringency. Its uses consequently are obvious in the convalescence from fevers. It can be found in high woods near almost every locality where a regiment is pitched. See '' Eupa- toriuvi, "Persimmon," "Dogwood," etc.

In a pamphlet issued from the Surgeon-General's office it is stated that the C. maculata "is not to be gathered, as it is inferior." The decoction of either plant is made with the bruised herb one ounce, water three half pints ; boil to one pint; one pint to be given in the twenty-four hours, in divided doses. Pereira refers to both species as being useful.

The decoction has been much used in scrofula. I have found the pipsissewa particularly serviceable as a tonic diuretic in the convalescence from scarlet fever, having used it largely in an epidemic which prevailed among a large number of negroes, (1862.) They were treated with chlorate of potash, Tincture of Bark and Mur. Tinct. of Iron, followed by the decoction of the plant with tincture of bark as a stimulant. I have also found it to act most beneficially in that pallid, anaemic, quasi dropsical state, particularly as it occurs in delicate children after they have passed through an attack of malarial fever — where this condition is met with in those with the strumous diathesis this plant will be found to act remarkably well. This plant has also been employed as a substitute for uva ursi. See Chemical Analysis in Journ. of Med. Coll. Pharm. March, 1860 Prof. Proctor prepares a syrup and he suggests a fluid extract. See U. S. Disp., 12th Ed.

King’s American Dispensatory of 1898 states:

This little herb is indigenous to the north temperate regions of both hemispheres, and is met with in the United States in dry, shady woods, flowering from May to August. The leaves have no odor when dried, but when fresh and rubbed they are rather fragrant; their taste is astringent, sweetish, and not disagreeably bitter. The whole herb is used. Boiling water or alcohol extracts the active properties.

Description and Chemical Composition.—"About 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, oblanceolate, sharply serrate above, wedge-shaped and nearly entire towards the base; coriaceous, smooth, and dark-green on the upper surface. It is nearly inodorous, and has an astringent and bitterish taste "—(U. S. P.). Mr. S. Fairbank found the leaves to contain gum, tannic acid, starch, pectic acid, extractive, resin, fatty matter, chlorophyll, yellow coloring matter, lignin, and golden-yellow, needle-shaped crystals, which he named chimaphilin. This yellow body is without taste or odor, freely soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, benzol, benzin, glacial acetic acid, and acetone, and in oils, both essential and fixed, but dissolves sparingly in water. It has a neutral reaction, and is volatile with aqueous vapors. Arbutin (C24H32O14.H2O), a crystalline, glucosidal principle, found also in other ericaceous plants, forming neutral, silky, colorless, bitter needles, and readily soluble in boiling water and alcohol, but sparingly so in ether, was found in this plant by Zwenger and Himmelmann, in 1864. Salts of potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, chloride of sodium, phosphoric, sulphuric, and silicic acids were also found (Jour. Trans. Md. Col. Pharm., March, 1860). Mr. E. S. Beshore (1887) also obtained chimaphilin, and found another crystalline body, of the composition C10H19O, melting at 236° C. (457.2° F.), by abstracting the dried drug with petroleum ether.

Mr. J. C. Peacock (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1892) failed to obtain chimaphilin from the fresh plant of Chimaphila maculata, but obtained it in the ordinary way from the dried plant, by distilling the drug with water. The influence of drying upon the yield of chimaphilin from C. maculata was likewise observed by him when attempting to abstract this substance by means of petroleum ether. Mr. Peacock found the fusing point of chimaphilin at 113° to 114° C. (235.4° to 237.2° F.), and the composition of this substance to correspond with the formula C24H21O4. Three other principles of a crystalline character were obtained from chimaphila, occurring respectively as "matted crystals," "tufted crystals," and "glistening crystals," all differing in solubility and other respects from any previously known constituents of the order Ericaceae (A. P. A. Proc., 1892). In 1895, Mr. Ridenour confirmed Mr. Peacock's formula by the analysis of chimaphilin and some new derivatives prepared by him; he succeeded, however, in obtaining chimaphilin from the fresh plant of C. maculata.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Diuretic, tonic, alterative, and astringent. The fresh leaves, when bruised and applied to the skin, act as vesicants and rubefacients. Its alterative properties are marked, the processes of waste and nutrition being powerfully influenced by it. It is especially useful in scrofula and chronic rheumatic and nephritic affections. Irritation of any part of the urinary tract is relieved by it, and the circulation and nutrition of the part improved. The cases of all diseases in which it is of most value are those of debility, and particularly when a scrofulous taint is present. Its particular field is in genito-urinary fluxes, due to debility or depending upon a scrofulous diathesis. The more pronounced the catarrhal character of the disorder, the more valuable is the drug. Catarrh of the bladder, with offensive urine, or urine loaded with mucus, muco-pus, or even blood, are cases for its exhibition. Chronic affections of the kidneys, with muco-purulent discharges, are also conditions indicating it. The infusion is the best preparation. Do not make a decoction, as boiling impairs its virtues. It is also a remedy for chronic prostatic irritation and chronic prostatitis. Used both locally and internally, it is a good remedy for scrofulous ulcerations. The infusion has cured ascites, and has been advantageous in strangury, chronic gonorrhoea, and other mucous profluvia; and as an antilithic it is said to diminish lithic acid in the urine. In dropsy it can not be depended upon without the use of other more active measures, and is better adapted to cases accompanied with weakness and loss of appetite. In urinary disorders, it may be used as a substitute for uva ursi and buchu, to which it is preferable on account of being less obnoxious to the stomach. In many cutaneous diseases it has proved very efficient. Dose of the infusion, from 1 to 4 fluid ounces, 3 times a day; of the extract, from 10 to 20 grains, 3 or 4 times a day; a syrup may be prepared by macerating 4 ounces of the finely-bruised leaves in 8 fluid ounces of water for 36 hours, then subject the whole to percolation till a pint of fluid is obtained, evaporate to ½ pint, and add 12 ounces of sugar. Dose, 1 or 2 tablespoonfuls; fluid extract, ʒss to ʒj, largely diluted; specific chimaphila, 5 drops to 1 drachm, every 3 or 4 hours.

Specific Indications and Uses.—Atonic and debilitated states of the urinary organs, giving rise to lingering disorders, with scanty urine, but excessive voidings of mucus, muco-pus, or bloody muco-pus, offensive or non-offensive in character; smarting or burning pain with dysuria; chronic irritation of the urethra and prostate; chronic relaxation of the bladder walls; chronic prostatitis, with vesical catarrh.

Related Species and Drugs.—Chimaphila maculata, Pursh, Spotted wintergreen, may be known from the above by its leaves, which are opposite, or in threes, lanceolate, acuminate, rounded at the base, where they are broader than near the summit, remotely serrate, of a deep olive-green color, and veined with greenish-white. The C. umbellata leaves are broader near the summit, tapering toward the base, of a uniform shining-green color, serrated, and not marked with the whitish line along the mid-vein and veinlets. The C. maculata is probably possessed of similar powers with the official article, and may be used as a substitute. An extract of it is reputed to have cured epilepsy.

Pyrola rotundifolia, Linné; Pyrola chlorantha, Swartz; Pyrola elliptica, Nuttall; Pyrola secunda, Linné (see Pyrola).

Orthosiphon stamineus. Java tea.—This drug comes in the form of little oval, green leaves, finely toothed, and rolled like ordinary tea. Essential oil and a glucosid, orthosiphonin in crystals, are among its constituents. It is reputed powerfully diuretic, and, in doses of from 15 to 20 grains per day, it has been lauded in uric acid diathesis, gravel, ascites, and nephritic colic.

Jethro Kloss wrote:

PIPSISSEWA (Chimaphila umbellata)

Common Names: Prince’s pine, ground holly, false wintergreen, rheumatism weed, bitter wintergreen, king’s cure.

Part Used: Entire plant, leaves.

Medicinal Properties: Diuretic, tonic, alterative, astringent, diaphoretic.

Description and Uses: A good herb to use in kidney diseases and infections.

One of the great advantages of this herb is its almost total lack of irritating side effects. It has been reported to dissolve small stones in the bladder. A poultice may be made from the leaves and applied to the skin for ulcers, sores, bruises, blisters, etc.

Make an infusion of 1 ounce of the herb in 1 pint of boiling water; drink cold one or two cupfuls a day, a swallow at a time. Use 5 to 15 drops of the tincture. Follow the directions as given on the bottle.

Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians tells us:

Pipsissewa is an all-purpose remedy used to treat a wide range of health problems. The Cherokee used an infusion as a remedy for rheumatism, colds, fevers and kidney problems. They used poultices and washes to treat ringworm, ulcers, cancer and pain.

During the Civil War era, doctors recommended pipsissewa to treat digestive problems, weak kidneys and general debility. It was also said to stimulate appetite and relieve flagging energy. Infusions were used internally and externally to heal obstinate ulcers. Leaves were soaked in whiskey to make a rheumatism remedy that warmed the joints and relieved stiffness and pain.

Folk use of pipsissewa includes combining it with mullein leaf (Verbascum thapsus) to keep children from wetting the bed, and as a spring tonic and general energy booster. Pipsissewa root was an ingredient in traditional root beer. According to Southern folklore, pipsissewa will repel or kill rats, hence the common name, “rat’s bane.”

Botany in A Day tells us:

A tea of the leaves is astringent, diuretic and diaphoretic, useful internally and externally.

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Spotted Wintergreen: The plant is analgesic, antibacterial, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic. The plant has an antiseptic influence on the urinary system and is sometimes used in the treatment of cystitis. An infusion of the plant has been drunk in the treatment of rheumatism and colds. A poultice of the root has been used to treat pain whilst the plant has also been used as a wash on ulcers, scrofula and cancers. All parts of the plant can be used, though only the leaves are officinal. The plant is loaded with the biologically active compounds arbutin, sitosterol and ursolic acid. Arbutin hydrolyzes to the toxic urinary antiseptic hydroquinone.

Medicinal use of 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.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants tells us of Pipsissewa:

American Indians used leaf tea for backaches, coughs, bladder inflammations, stomachaches, kidney ailments, “blood purifier”, diuretic, astringent; drops used for sore eyes. Leaves were smoked as a tobacco substitute. Physicians formerly used leaf tea for bladder stones, kidney inflammation (nephritis), prostatitis, and related ailments. Science confirms diuretic, tonic, astringent, urinary antiseptic and antibacterial activity. Loaded with biologically active compounds - arbutin, sitosterol and ursolic acid. Warning: Leaves poulticed on skin may induce redness, blisters and peeling. Arbutin hydrolyzes to the toxic urinary antiseptic hydroquinone.

The PDR for Herbal Medicine states:

The drug contains quinine, which is said to be a urinary antiseptic. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the plant are said to have antimicrobial properties in vitro.

This article is an excerpt from 

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

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Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

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Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.