Metaphysical Properties of Pipsissewa
Chimaphila umbellate
Other Names: False Wintergreen, Ground Holly, Price's Pine, Princess Pine
Metaphysical Powers: Money, Spirit Calling
Magickal Folklore of Pipsissewa
- It is stated that you can carry Pipsissewa to attract money.
- Crush the herb, blend it with rose hips and violets, and then burn to draw benevolent spirits for magical aid.
Uses of Pipsissewa
- treat diarrhea
- fluid imbalances
- nervous disorders
- sores
- muscle spasms
Experts disagree on what amount constitutes a safe, effective dose.
North American Indians used it to induce sweating and treat fevers, including typhus. The plant contains hydroquinone, which acts as a disinfectant within the urinary tract. In modern-day herbalism, the plant is still used to treat urinary problems such as cystitis and urethritis. The whole plant is used as an alternative, antibacterial, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, rubefacient, stimulant, and tonic. An infusion is used to treat various common urinary system problems; it is prescribed to treat severe kidney stones and gonorrhea.
A decoction is used in treating skin diseases. The fresh leaves are used externally as a topical treatment and internally used in cardiac and kidney diseases, chronic rheumatism, and scrofula. Only the leaves are recognized officially for medication, though the whole plant is used.
Pipsissewa is full of the biologically active compounds arbutin, sitosterol, and ursolic acid. Arbutin hydrolyzes to the toxic urinary antiseptic hydroquinone. It also contains glycosides and essential oil that are used as astringents and tonics.
The plant is harvested when in flower, and the leaves can be harvested during the growing season and dried for later use. A homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves. The leaves can be chewed, brewed into a tea, or used for flavoring root beer. They have a delicious scent and flavor; the extract of the leaves has been used to flavor candy and soft drinks. Mexico uses this herb for preparing "navaitai", an alcoholic beverage produced from sprouted maize. Tea is often made from infusing the stems and roots in boiling water.
Pipsissewa is used in perfumery because of its delicate scent.