common Pipsissewa
Chimaphila umbellata L.

   

Common Pipsissewa is a perennial, evergreen plant - creeping semi-shrub. The plant reaches an average height of 25 cm. Rhizome creeping and strongly branched. At the base of the plant, the rhizome is grooved. Part of the rhizome is woody. The stem branches strongly at the base. The leaves are arranged in a root rosette. The leaves are placed alternately on the stem. They are inverted ovoid, inverted wedge-shaped or elongated, the edge of the leaf is sharply toothed, the petioles are short. The surface of the leaf is smooth, shiny - dark green in color; underside of leaf lighter. Leaf length 1.5-6cm, width 0.5-1.5cm. The leaves have a sweet-astringent taste with a light, pleasant aroma - when you rub the leaves in your hands, the aroma intensifies.

The flowers are placed at the tops of the stems, arranged in a cyme. 2-7 flowers in one flower. The flower is on a long peduncle and has a bell shape. The chemuru flower blooms from June to the beginning of August. Fruits are hairy pods, flattened ball-shaped.

The chemical composition of the plant includes: arbutin, ericoline, glycosides, tannins, bitter substances, resins, ursolic and salicylic acids, methyl esters, quercetin, hyperin, avicularin, kaempferol. These are just the basic substances in the plant.

Common Pipsissewa is collected three times a year - at the end of each summer month, the above-ground part of the plant is collected. Harvesting is done in dry weather. Dry on sieves, in a well-ventilated and shaded place, can also be dried in forced dryers not exceeding 50C. The drug is ready when it remains brittle and brittle. Stored in paper bags or boxes for no longer than 2 years.

Medicinal significance

Common Pipsissewa acts as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic, choleretic, antibacterial, astringent, disinfectant, spasmolytic, tonic, pain-relieving and tonic agent.

The spectrum of medicinal properties of the plant ensures that this plant can be used to treat sciatica, gout, skin diseases, gastritis, gastric ulcer, prostatitis, prostate adenoma, joint diseases, cystitis, kidney and liver diseases, depression and stress conditions, rheumatism and valuable this the plant is also for gynecological purposes. Most often, it is used as an ingredient in herbal mixtures.

In folk medicine, common Pipsissewa is considered a strong diuretic, which is used in kidney and heart diseases, as well as to disinfect the urinary tract, as well as in gout and rheumatism. Concentrations and decoctions with a concentration of 1:10 are used as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of prostate, kidney diseases, and internal diseases associated with excessive physical exertion.

Common Pipsissewa preparations are effective in cases of albuminuria, hematuria, nephritis and other chronic kidney diseases, it also helps in cases of urinary retention, gonorrhea, chronic gonorrheal urethritis, narrowing of the urethra. The plant helps reduce blood sugar levels. Its long-term use improves appetite and digestion. The plant is also recommended to be used as a strengthening and tonic agent, in case of pulmonary and intestinal tuberculosis, stomach ulcer, as a pain reliever in case of toothache and stomach ache.

For the treatment of skin diseases, decoctions of common Pipsissewa are used externally, especially if there are complications with the microbial flora or festering wounds.

Common Pipsissewa is used in case of carcinoma and other solid tumors - lip tumors, tonsil tumors, mammary gland tumors. There are references in the literature that this plant has a beneficial effect on the treatment of breast cancer (the experience of US doctors).

Not recommended for use

Similarly, like all medicinal plants, common Pipsissewa has its side effects. This plant is not recommended for people who have a tendency to form blood clots. The plant is not used during pregnancy and lactation, it is not used by hypertensives, people with chronic constipation, with a weak nervous system, as well as if there is an allergy to the plant. Small children are not treated with this.