Pipsissewa
OTHER NAME(S): Bitter Winter, Bitter Wintergreen, Chimaphila, Chimaphile à Ombelles, Ground Holly, Herbe d'Hiver, Herbe à Peigne, Holly, King's Cure, King's Cureall, Love in Winter, Prince's Pine, Pyrole en Ombelle, Rheumatism Weed, Spotted Wintergreen, Umbellate Wintergreen, Chimaphila umbellata, Chimaphila corymbosa, Chimaphile À Ombelles
Overview
Pipsissewa is an herb. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
Pipsissewa is used for infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs), other bladder problems, skin sores, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of its uses.
In food and beverages, pipsissewa extracts are used as flavoring.
Pipsissewa might help reduce swelling, have a drying (astringent) effect on the tissues, and kill germs that cause infections in the urinary tract.
Pipsissewa might help reduce swelling, have a drying (astringent) effect on the tissues, and kill germs that cause infections in the urinary tract.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs).
- Bladder stones.
- Spasms.
- Fluid retention.
- Seizures.
- Anxiety.
- Cancer.
- Sores, when applied to the skin.
- Blisters, when applied to the skin.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of pipsissewa for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Pipsissewa is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in food amounts. However, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used long-term. Long-term use can cause side effects such as ringing in the ears, vomiting, confusion, and seizures.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pipsissewa is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Pipsissewa is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in food amounts. However, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used long-term. Long-term use can cause side effects such as ringing in the ears, vomiting, confusion, and seizures.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pipsissewa is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pipsissewa is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Pipsissewa overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of pipsissewa depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for pipsissewa. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182