Pipsissewa
Scientific names: Chimaphila umbellata, Chimaphila corymbosa
Family: Ericaceae
Alternate names: 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
Background
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 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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pipsissewa is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
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.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- 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.
Dosing & administration
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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Pipsissewa interacts with any medicines. Before taking Pipsissewa, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Pipsissewa might help reduce swelling, have a drying (astringent) effect on the tissues, and kill germs that cause infections in the urinary tract.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 08/03/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 04/12/2020 20:32:20. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
