AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER
| Pipsissewa, ©2008 Todd Caldecott |
Botanical Name: Chimaphila umbellata, Ericaceae Common names: Chimaphila, Pipsissewa, Prince's Pine, Wintergreen, Butterwinter, King's Cure, Ground Holly, Love in Winter, Rheumatism Weed. Plant description: A stout, almost woody, dwarf evergreen perennial, up to 35 cm in height, arising from a creeping, yellowish rhizome. The stems are simple or occasionally branched, with dark green leaves on short petioles generally arranged in whorls, leathery, narrowly oblong with sharply toothed edges, with central venation. The flowers number between 3-10, arising as little nodding clusters above the whorl of leaves, saucer shaped, with five whitish-pink, waxy petals that surround a plump, sticky green ovary and ten reddish stamens. The fruits are usually erect, tidy spherical brown capsules, 5-valved, with numerous seeds. Habitat, ecology and distribution: Widespread and common in low to subalpine elevations in temperate regions of both Europe, Russia and North America, inhabiting moist, open to dense coniferous forest. Common in dry forests with moist climates, but generally absent from arid ecologies. Part used: Aerial portions. History: Chimaphila was widely used by all the First Nations people of North America that lived within its range of distribution, and also by herbalists in the Old World. The name 'Pipsissewa' comes from the Cree name 'pipisisikewu,' which mean 'break-into-small-pieces,' referring to its reputed ability to dissolve kidney stones (Parish et al 1996, 98). The name 'Chimaphila' is derived from two Greek words meaning 'winter' and 'loving.' Chimaphila root was at one time used as an ingredient in the preparation 'root beer.' Although once plentiful in Europe, it is currently a protected species in many countries. Constituents: Duke and Moore mention a number of quinone glycosides in Chimaphila, primarily arbutin, and smaller amounts of chimaphilin (2,7-dimethyl-1,4-napthoquinone), ericolin and isohomoarbutin. The iridoid glycoside monotropein is present, as is the steroidal saponin taraxsterol, and flavonoids quercitrin, isoquercitrin, and myricacitrin. Chimaphila also contains tannin, a volatile oil, ursolic, malic and gallic acids, and a gum (Duke 1992; Moore 1979, 127). Medical Research: No studies on Chimaphila could be found in the literature. Based on its arbutin content it can reasonably be inferred that Chimaphila shares similar antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties with other arbutin-containing plants that have been better studied, such as Arctostaphylos uva ursi. Toxicity: One toxicological study clearly indicated that arbutin has no mutagenic property (Mills and Bone 2000, 282). Under certain conditions however, such as an alkaline environment or through bacterial enzymatic conversion, arbutin will hydrolyze into the antimicrobial and potentially toxic hydroquinone. The amount of free hydroquinone excreted however has only been found in trace amounts (Mills and Bone 2000, 282). Hausen and Schiedermair indicate that chimaphilin is a moderate contact sensitizer (1988). Herbal action: diuretic, astringent, urinary antiseptic, alterative Indications: cystitis, nephritis, urolithiasis, diabetes, gout, rheumatism, arthritis, skin diseases, cancer Contraindications and cautions: pregnancy, lactation Medicinal uses: Felter and Lloyd state that the primary indication for Chimaphila are atonic and debilitated states of the urinary organs, which often give rise to lingering disorders, characterized by decreased urine output, with mucus, muco-pus, or bloody muco-pus (1893). There will often be burning sensation or a low-grade irritability of the urethra and prostate. Chimaphila has an antiseptic and astringent effect upon the membranes of the urinary system, although it's astringent action, according to Michael Moore "...is much less... than Uva Ursi, with a stronger diuretic action and less irritation of the intestinal linings" (1979, 127). Like Felter and Lloyd, Moore considers it an "...almost perfect remedy for kidney weakness or chronic mild nephritis" (1979, 127). Felter adds that Chimaphila "...seems to favour digestion, and has a good influence upon the processes of nutrition." Like Moore, Felter indicates that Chimaphila is a long term remedy, and one that should not be expect too much of in confirmed cases of nephritis. As an alterative remedy Chimaphila was commonly used in the treatment of gout and rheumatic complaints, as its name 'Rheumatism Weed' suggests, and is even used by professional athletes to heal damaged tissues and prevent injury. Chimaphila is an important remedy in skin and lung disease, acting upon liver and kidneys to eliminate wastes. Chimaphila was used by First Nations such as the Cherokee, Delaware and Cree peoples as a musculoskeletal and cardiac analgesic, and as an expectorant and antihemorrhagic agent (Leighton 1985; Hamel and Chiltoskey 1975; Tantaquidgeon 1972). Chimaphila is also mentioned in the ethnobotanical literature as a cancer aid (Herrick 1977; Hamel and Chiltoskey 1975), and was considered by eclectic physician Eli G. Jones to be specific in the treatment of breast cancer. Pharmacy and dosage: |