Prince's Pine

"Prince's Pine" (Chimaphila umbellata)

2008 May 7

2008 May 7

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2008 May 27

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2008 October 19

I was looking at lichen one day in the spring when I noticed this plant growing nearby. I had never noticed it before and began to watch it unfold. I was reward by these amazing flowers.

This plant is apparently a root parasite so won't grow just anywhere. I'm fortunate to have it at the back of our property. Its Cree name is pipisisikweu meaning, it breaks into small pieces. The leaves were purported to contain a substance that dissolves kidney stones. The leaves, stems and roots were made into a tea to be used as a beverage or for colds and sore throats. It is used as a flavouring in root beer.

Here are some notes from the Montana Plant Life site:

"Edible Uses:
The leaves of Prince's Pine can be 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 flavor 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.

Medicinal Uses:
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 antibacterial, and has agents that induce urination, cause tissue to contract, induce sweating, cause reddening or irritation when applied to the skin, that act as a stimulant and tonic, and that gradually restore health. A tea 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.
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."