Pipsissewa – Chimaphila umbellata
Nomenclature:
- Chimaphila umbellata
- Family:
Pyrolaceae
Botany and Ecology:
- Habitat:
dry woods, light, medium, or heavy soils that are also well-drained. Grows
well in acid soil, and prefers shade or semi-shade in moist soils.
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Flower size: 3/4 inch across
- Flower color: white or pink
- Flowering time: July to August
- Distribution
o United
States: CT, DA, DC, GA, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, RI, VT, WI
Uses:
- Edible:
- The
leaves are nibbled, brewed into a tea or used as a flavoring in root
beer. They have a delicious scent and flavor. An extract of the leaves is
used to flavour candy and soft drinks. In Mexico
the herb is used in the preparation of 'navaitai', an alcoholic beverage
produced from sprouted maize.
- A
tea can be made from an infusion of the stems and roots.
- Medical:
- 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
gonorrhea. 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.
Conservation:
·
Conservation status: Threatened – Endangered.
·
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CHUMC2.
[Date Accessed: July 15, 2008].
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