Pipsissewa - Chimaphila Umbellata
This Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata) monograph is an excerpt from the first edition of Dr. Sharol's book "Herbal Medicine From The Heart of The Earth." You can purchase the 2020, third edition of this book with an expanded materia medica/monograph section, herbal formulas and directions on making herbal products in Dr. Sharol's Book Store. You receive free shipping in the USA. The expanded 3rd edition materia medica, and additional herbal tidbits are also available as a kindle ebook at Amazon and details on this e-book are here.
Pipsissewa - Chimaphila umbellata in the Ericaceae or Heath family
Part used: Leafy parts.
Taste/smell: Astringent.
Tendencies: Cooling, drying.
Dosage: Decoction: 1 tablespoon per cup of water; or 1:1.3 fresh + dry liquid extract: 10-60 drops 1-4 times per day. This is better decocted than infused due to the thick leaves.
Mental picture and specific indications: Pipsissewa is indicated for chronic genitourinary tract catarrh with lymphatic congestion. Symptoms are worse from damp weather, sitting on cold surfaces, and worse on the left side of the body.
Use: (a) Mild lymphatic stimulant, (b) Diuretic, (c) Urinary tract antiseptic.
It is used for scanty, painful urination with mucus. It increases renal circulation and stimulates tubular function. It is used in atonic chronic conditions and infectious conditions with catarrh and stagnant lymph system, rheumatism, prostatitis and BPH.
It contains about 7.5% arbutin, an antiseptic that is hydrolyzed in gastric fluid to hydroquinone. In alkaline urine, hydroquinone is an effective antimicrobial and contributes to the antiseptic activity in the urinary tract.
Contraindications: Pepsissewa is contraindicated in pregnancy. This is a slow growing plant and could easily become endangered.
If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.
Remember To Send This To Friends And Family Who Will Benefit From Reading It!
Social media links are at the top and bottom of the page.
Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
You Are The Healer exists due to the generosity of my readers.
The Crowdfunding I receive through regular patrons allows me to continue this website. 
“I welcome donations through my company Wise Acres LLC, of any amount in lieu of using ads from outside sources, and thank you!” Please use the Pay Pal donate button. Purchasing my paperback books from this website or e-books from Amazon is another way to support this website. Please note we are not non-profit and donations are not tax deductible.
