Pipsissewa - Chimaphila umbellata

Pipsissewa

Chimaphila umbellata

Taken from my favorite free herb website

http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_pipsissewa.htm

 

Common names

• Butter Winter
• Ground Holly
• King's Cure
• Love in Winter
• Pipsissewa
• Prince's-pine
• Pyrola Umbellata
• Rheumatism Weed

Pipsissewa is a petite evergreen herb that grows perennially and up to a height of 3 inches to 10 inches. Plants of this species produce glossy, vividly green, jagged leaves that emerge in order of whorls the length of the stem. Pipsissewa bears tiny flowers whose color range from white to pink and they blossom during July and August. The flowers of pipsissewa are clustered at the apex of a straight stalk. When the leaves of this herb are crushed, they exude a strange flavor which is sweetish and astringent and also has a pleasingly bitter taste.
The herb derives its name from the Cree (a native tribe of Canada) term ‘pipsisikweu' which translated into English literally means ‘it breaks into small pieces'. This name of the plant is primarily owing to the belief that the rubbery leaves of pipsissewa enclose a substance that helps to dissolve kidney stones. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim and actually the leaves have no such property. The Native American Indians used this plant for other therapeutic purposes as well. People belonging to the Penobscot and Mohegan tribes boiled the leaves of the plant in water and applied the solution topically to cure blisters. On the other hand, the Thompson Indians inhabiting British Columbia pounded the pipsissewa plant and used it in soaked dressings to lessen swellings of the feet and legs. On the other hand, the Catawbas called the herb fire flower and extracted a solution from it and used it to ease backache. Chippewas prepared a decoction with the pipsissewa's roots and used it as eye drops to cure aching eyes.
Pipsissewa was not only popular among the Native Americans, but also the early European settlers who also learned the use of this species from them. They took the herb internally particularly as a remedy for kidney problems and rheumatism. In traditional medicine, pipsissewa served as an astringent as well as diuretic from the period ranging between the days of Daniel Boone, an American explorer, pioneer and frontiersman, throughout the Civil War and even later. It was also taken on as an official medication quite early. During the period between 1820 and 1916, pipsissewa was catalogued in the United States Pharmacopeia. And till the early part of the 20th century, pipsissewa tonic was an essential home remedy in several households in rural North America. Even to this day, pipsissewa is used in the form of a conventional ingredient in making root beer.

Parts used

Leaves, stem, roots.

Uses

Pipsissewa possesses tonic, astringent and diuretic properties and is primarily used in the form of an infusion to treat problems of the urinary tract, for instance, urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) and cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder), because this plant encloses a chemical compound called hydroquinones, which is known to have a remarkable disinfecting effect inside the urinary tract. In addition, earlier herbalists also used to prescribe pipsissewa to treat more grave conditions, for instance kidney stones and gonorrhea (a contagious inflammation of the vagina and urethra). Pipsissewa helps to enhance the flow of urine and, thereby, encourages the elimination of waste products from the body. In this way, the herb is also useful for treating conditions like gout and rheumatism. You may also apply the fresh pipsissewa leaves topically to treat rheumatic joints, muscles, in addition to sores, blisters and swellings.
Several tribes belonging to the Native American Indians used pipsissewa extensively with a view to promote perspiration and also to cure fevers, counting typhus. It may be noted here that a decoction is extremely effective in treating skin complaints. When used topically, the fresh leaves of pipsissewa are rubefacient (turn the skin complexion red) and when they are used internally, the leaves are very helpful in treating different medical condition, including chronic rheumatism, cardiac problems, kidney ailments and scrofula. While only the leaves of pipsissewa are recognized by the pharmacopeia, the entire plant is used for therapeutic purposes. It has been found that the plants of this species are overloaded with biologically active compounds like ursolic acids, sitosterol and arbutin. Arbutin is subject to hydrolysis to the toxic urinary antiseptic hydroquinone. Pipsissewa encloses glycosides as well as an essential oil which are used in the form of an astringent plus a tonic. Pipsissewa is harvested when the herb is in bloom and the leaves can be harvested separately during the growing season. Following harvesting, the leaves are dried and store for use when necessary. The leaves of pipsissewa are also used to prepare a homeopathic remedy, which is used to treat inflammations of the urinary tract.
Pipsissewa is known to have diuretic action with no irritating side effects. It is believed that using an herbal tea prepared with the leaves of pipsissewa for a prolonged period helps to dissolves kidney stones as well as to treat dropsy (edema). This herb may be used to treat conditions like hematuria (presence of blood in urine), albuminuria (presence of albumin in urine) and chronic kidney problems. However, while treating these conditions, you should ensure that it is being done under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner. The tea prepared with pipsissewa leaves may also be applied topically to treat sores, ulcers, tumours, swellings, blisters as well as muscle cramps.
Several tribes belonging to the Native Americans employed the tea prepared with pipsissewa leaves to treat stomach pains, coughs and backaches. It was also used internally in the form of a diuretic and a blood purifier. Drops of this herbal tea were also used to heal eye sores. In addition, some people also smoked the dried pipsissewa leaves as an alternative to tobacco.

Other medical uses

• Homeopathy

Culinary uses

Apart from its therapeutic uses, pipsissewa is also used for edible purposes. The leaves of this plant are chewed, brewed to prepare a tea or used as an ingredient to flavour root beet. The leaves of pipsissewa possess an appetizing aroma and taste. An extract of pipsissewa leaves is also used to add essence to soft drinks and candy. People in Mexico use the herb to prepare ‘navaitai', an alcoholic drink that is produced from sprouted maize. The stems and roots of pipsissewa may be infused to prepare a tea, which is appetizing as well as beneficial for health.

Habitat and cultivation

Pipsissewa is indigenous to North America, Asia and Europe and generally grows in the wild in woodlands and shady locales. The leaves of this plant are collected in summer.
Pipsissewa plants need slight damp, but properly drained and lime-free soil. The plants also need shade from the rays of the sun. It is quite difficult to propagate as well as cultivate the plants of this species, primarily owing to the fact that it has a specific relation with a fungi in the wild and these are essential if the plant has to succeed. Therefore, the best way to propagate this plant is to collect some soil from the region of an established pipsissewa plant while sowing the seeds or planting the seedlings outdoors in their permanent position. Plants of this species possess widely spreading fibrous roots that feed the plant and the plants generally die or are unsuccessful in increasing in size if these fibrous roots are bothered. The flowers of pipsissewa possess a sweet and invigorating aroma.
Although it is extremely difficult to propagate this plant for cultivation, pipsissewa may be grown by its seeds and, very rarely, by root division. Very seldom, pipsissewa is also propagated by softwood cutting.
Although pipsissewa is propagated by the plant's seeds, it is extremely problematic to germinate the seeds for cultivation. It is ideal that you sow the seeds in a shaded area of the greenhouse on a damp sphagnum peat immediately when they mature. When the seedlings have grown sufficiently large to deal with, they should be pricked individually and planted in separate pots and let them grow for a minimum of their first winter in any shady spot in the greenhouse. The young plants may be re-planted in their permanent positions outdoors during the late spring or the early part of summer after the last anticipate frost has passed.
It is somewhat difficult to propagate pipsissewa by means of root division because the plants are extremely susceptible to any kind of botheration to their long fibrous roots. However, it is best to attempt propagation of pipsissewa by root division during spring, since the plant is in full growth during this part of the year. Cutting of softwood of the herb for propagation may be done in June and the cuttings should be sowed in a frame. It is advisable that you use some soil from the region of an established plant while propagating this herb.

Constituents

Chemical analysis of the pipsissewa herb has revealed that it encloses flavonoids, hydroquinones (counting arbutin), tannins and methyl salicylate. The hydroquinones enclosed by the herb have a marked disinfecting action inside the urinary system.

Usual dosage

Pipsissewa is used in different forms for therapeutic purposes - tincture, syrup and tea.

Syrup

To prepare syrup with pipsissewa, marinate about four ounces of finely crushed pipsissewa leaves in 8 fluid ounces of water and allow it to stay for 36 hours and filter the mixture till one pint of fluid is obtained. Next, evaporate half pint of the fluid and add 3/4 pound of sugar to the remaining fluid. The normal dosage of this syrup is taking one to two tablespoonfuls daily.

Tea

To prepare an herbal tea with pipsissewa, boil one teaspoon of the plants leaves (you may also use the whole plant) in half a cup of water. Take a mouthful of the tea at a time throughout the day. Don't add any sweetener to this herbal tea.

Tincture

The standard dosage of pipsissewa tincture is taking two to 15 drops of it as required.

Side effects and cautions

While there is no record regarding any toxic action of pipsissewa, in general this herb is considered to be safe when taken in medicinal doses. However, when taken in large doses, the astringent attribute of the plant might cause irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. In some case, topical application of formulations prepared with the herb has resulted in dermatitis in susceptible individuals.

How it works in the body

Pipsissewa has several therapeutic uses. This herb may facilitate in lessening swelling, have a dehydrating (astringent) influence on the tissues and also eliminate germs that infect the urinary system.

Usnea uses and description

USNEA description from www.herbs2000.com

An ancient lichen!

Common names

• Beard Lichen
• Tree Moss
• Tree's Dandruff
• Usnea
• Woman's Long Hair

Lichen belonging to the Parmeliaceae family is called usnea. This genus is found growing throughout the world. Several species of this plant, counting U. barbata, U. bayle, U. dasypoga, U. hirta, U. florida and U. lobata are used for therapeutic purposes. According to available documents, usnea has been used in ancient China, where the lichen was referred to as Sun-lo and employed to calm inflamed systems as well as to treat external infections. In addition, the formulary or Aqrabadhin of Al-Kindi (ca. 850 AD) has reference to this lichen.
Usnea is the generic as well as the specific name for numerous lichen species belonging to the family Parmeliaceae. Made up of two or more organisms, including a fungus and alga, lichens usually grow on tree branches. They hang from the branches and have an appearance similar to grey or greenish hair. However, it is important that you do not mistake this genus for oak moss belonging to genus Evernia. The physical appearance of oak moss, which is also known as tree moss, is akin to that of lichen.
Similar to other lichens, usnea is also a composite organism, comprising a fungus and one or more partners known as photobionts. While the fungus is a member of the division called ascomycota, the alga belongs to the division called chlorophyta.
Usnea, in the form of fruticose lichen, grows like a shrub on trees that host it and generally replicates asexually through soredia or by vegetative ways through fragmentation. Sometimes, it also reproduces sexually by spermatogonium (wherein immature sperm cells divide into several spermatophytes) and ascogonium (wherein a female reproductive part in a number of ascomycetous fungi develops asci after fertilization). In nature or under normal conditions, lichens’ pace of growth is very sluggish. However, scientists have succeeded in accelerating their growth rates using usnea culture in laboratories. It is worth mentioning here that the physical appearance of usnea resembles Spanish moss also. They are so similar looking that the Latin name of Spanish moss, Tillandsia usneoides, which translated into English denotes “Usnea-like Tillandsia”, has been derived from usnea.
A type of lichen, usnea is found growing all over the temperate zones in the northern hemisphere, particularly in the coastal rainforest and sub-arctic regions. This lichen variety generally prefers old trees. Unfortunately, its habitation is witnessing rapid erosion owing to contemporary logging practices. If you are buying usnea, you should ensure that you purchase it from wild crafters, who are certified and are aware of the ecological cycles. They are unlikely to over harvest this lichen. In addition, usnea is also inclined to amass heavy metals from the atmosphere and, hence, it is advised that you exercise caution while harvesting these plants. It is important to maintain an adequate distance from any major pollution source while harvesting usnea.
Plants belonging to this genus have a greyish-green hue and they grow in the form of a hairy mat. The length of these plants may be anything between one or two inches to two or three feet. Usually, they are found hanging from the branches and trunks of their host trees. When touched they appear to be dry as well as rough. A number of usnea species also possess an internal core made up of white substances, which are bared when you pull both ends of the filament (hair) gently. The tough internal cord comes to view when the external covering gives way. Scientists are of the view that this inner cord not only provides tensile or elastic potency to the strand, but may possibly also be storing polysaccharide food for the sustenance of the plant.
It is believed that these species whose internal core is white provide us with extremely valuable therapeutic effects. Therefore, when you are purchasing usnea, you should ensure that the lichen contains the white internal core.

Usnea
Wild harvested
4oz-$8.00 , 8oz-$13.75 , 1lb-$24.00

Parts used

Whole lichen.

Uses

People belonging to various cultures throughout the world have been using Usnea spp. for therapeutic purposes. The Haida, natives of the Pacific Northwest Coast, have used Usnea longissima fibers for straining contaminations from a hot pitch prior to it being used in the form of a medicine. In addition, people in the Canary Islands also used Usnea spp. in the form of a common remedy to heal wounds. In Italy, people used this species in the form of a eupeptic (a medicine that promotes digestion), while it was used in the form of an antiseptic in Argentina. Similarly, people in Saudi Arabia used Usnea spp. in the form of an anti-bacterial agent, while in Chile it was used in the form of an anti-tumour medication. Indigenous people of North America extracted a dye from this species, and also it was used to treat abscesses.
It has been found that Usnea spp. may be employed to develop a topical remedy. The entire lichen is pulverized into powdered form an applied to skin infections by bacteria and fungi or burn injuries. Alternatively, you may also apply the whole plant to treat such infections and burns. In addition, Usnea spp. is also employed to cure internal health disorders, especially those that are related to the respiratory tract. The whole lichen is infused in alcohol to prepare a tincture which is taken internally to treat cold, flu, infections, bronchitis, sinus infections and pneumonia. Alternately, you may also consume the lichen as a whole or even prepare a tea and drink it to treat these conditions.
Usnea works as a tonic for the immune system and it may be used to treat severe conditions. In addition, this herb can be used on a long-term basis for perking up the immune system as well as a remedy to prevent disorders related to the immune system. As the use of this herb does not have any risky adverse effects or cause contraindications, it can be safely recommended for children as well as animals. This herbal medication is extremely beneficial for women suffering from bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, Chlamydia (a widespread sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted disease). People suffering from HIV, chronic fatigue, herpes as well as other chronic problems associated with poor immunity may also find this herb useful.
In addition, usnea may also be used to treat fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, candidiasis and ringworm. It is also effective for curing mastitis, impetigo, boils, pneumonia, bronchitis, strep throat or sore throat, sinus infections, dysentery (but not cholera, typhoid or other infections of the intestine due to gram-negative bacteria), and skin and lung tuberculosis. Using usnea to gargle helps to treat strep or sore throat, while spraying a watered down infusion prepared with the herb helps to cure sinus infections. This herb has been found to be particularly useful for treating infections of the upper respiratory system and urinary tract infections.
People in different parts of the world have been using usnea for medicinal purposes for more than 1600 years. Usnic acid is a very strong antibiotic as well as an anti-fungal agent and is present in all usnea species. Usnic acid and the hair-like constitution of this lichen denote that usnea served well as an effective medication for curing external wounds in earlier times, before the advent of sterile gauze and contemporary antibiotics. In fact, traditionally people have been using usnea internally as well as externally. However, a number of medical literatures recommend that usnea should only be used externally, because it has the potential to be toxic for the liver.
In contemporary American herbal medicine, practitioners use a lichen species called Usnea barbata in the form of an antibiotic, especially to treat infections of the lungs and the upper respiratory tract as well as urinary tract infections. It is worth mentioning that practitioners of herbal medicine have employed usnea in the form of an antibiotic against gram-positive bacteria and in the form of an antifungal agent to neutralize Candida albicans. However, usnea has not been used in any clinical trial on humans so far, and, hence, it is neither possible to corroborate or reject any of the practices mentioned above. Nevertheless, findings of in vitro research have strongly endorsed the fact that usnea possesses anti-microbial attributes.
In 1989, the Commission E in Germany has approved the use of usnea for treating mild inflammations related to the oral as well as pharyngeal mucosa.
It may be noted that usnea has also demonstrated anecdotal effectiveness in treating fish infections in ponds and aquariums - a very difficult task indeed.
Earlier, usnea was used as a major ingredient in a medication called Lipokinetix, which was prescribed to promote weight loss by means of an enhanced rate of metabolism. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against the use of Lipokinetix, as this medication may result in side effects, especially hepatotoxicity (toxicity of the liver). However, it is yet to be ascertained if the toxicity caused by this medication is in any way related to usnea. In addition to the lichen, the other ingredients of Lipokinetix included caffeine, PPA, diiodothyronine and yohimbine.
Usnea is also used to prepare a homeopathic remedy, which is effective for treating sunstroke and headache. Traditionally, usnea has been used in the form of a bitter tonic. The herb was also used therapeutically in Rome, Greece, ancient Egypt and China since much before Christ was born.
It is interesting to note that the external part of usnea possesses anti-bacterial properties, while the internal part contains polysaccharides and may also work to perk up the immune system.
In addition to their therapeutic value, different species of usnea have also been used to produce dyes and also to make deodorants and preservatives. Different dyes, including green, purple, orange, yellow and blue, were made from many different usnea varieties. People have been using a specific lichen species Usnea barbata as an ingredient in cosmetics, as it possesses antifungal and anti-microbial properties. This particular usnea species has also been used to make deodorants as well as preservatives.

Habitat and cultivation

The lichen species Usnea spp. grows in all regions of the world, ranging from places at sea-level to the elevated sub-Alpine regions. On the other hand, another variety called Usnea wirthii is often found growing on coniferous trees in the open forest lands in the plains. This species is especially found growing on lofty white oaks in Eugene, located in the Pacific Northwest region. The lichen species Usnea longissima grows best when it is cultivated on shrubs and trees in forests having old trees.

Research

Scientists undertaking research to find new antibiotics became interested very early on as plants belonging to this genus have a history of being used in the form of anti-microbial agents by natives of different cultures. By 1944, scientists discovered that more than 50 percent of the lichens they studied enclosed lichen acids, which have various degrees of antibiotic actions. The lichen acids are especially active in combating gram positive bacteria, for instance mycobacteria, staphylococcus and streptococcus. However, these substances are usually not effectual against gram negative bacteria like E. coli and salmonella.

Constituents

Chemical analysis of Usnea spp. has revealed that its main constituents include usnic acid as well as its derivates. Scientists believe that Usnea spp. is effective in counteracting gram positive bacteria and work by disturbing functions of the cell membrane of these bacteria, thereby helping to prevent the formation of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) as well as oxidative phosphorylation. However, usnic acids do not affect the human cells as much, because the human cells do not allow usnic acids to penetrate easily. It is worth mentioning here that the level of vitamin C in usnea is very high.

Usual dosage

Traditionally, usnea has been used to treat open wounds or those that have been infected by bacteria and fungi. The entire herb is powdered and applied directly to the affected skin. In addition, the herb has also been used to prepare potent decoctions and infused in alcohol with a view to maximize the immune enhancing actions of the herb.
Tincture: The standard dosage of usnea tincture for adults is 3 ml taken thrice every day. The frequency of the dosage of this tincture may be increased to treat severe conditions. To treat tuberculosis, take usnea two to seven drops of tincture thrice every day continuously for a period of six months.

Side effects and cautions

Although usnea is effective for treating a number of conditions, it is advised that you exercise caution while applying the herb to the skin directly. This is necessary because the direct application of the herb on the skin may result in allergic contact dermatitis. In case, you suffer from this side effect of usnea, you should stop applying the herb directly to the skin. Instead, you may use it internally.
However, the tincture or decoction prepared from usnea does not have any known side effect. Several herbalists are of the view that usnea is a safe herb for treating autoimmune conditions, especially in instances where the immune system is hyper-active and assaults specific body tissues.
Here is a word of caution: usnea should never be recommended for women during pregnancy.

When life throws lichen at you? Pick it up!

Over the summer months I wild harvested many wild weeds and plants.
Usually with sweat dripping while I fought off bees, wasps and killer mosquitoes.

Trimmed, cleaned, dried and stored.
 I was having too much fun to complain, however there were days I wished the herbs would just fall from the sky, into my box already dried and labeled!
I don't think that's too much to ask, do you?

So fall came and then really cold weather. I was pretty bummed that the collecting days were over but thrilled that the mosquitoes were gone.
Still hiking every day though and one day...yep you guessed it...a limb fell right on me with Usnea just ready to be put in the box!

Nature throwing dried herbs at me? That's a heck yeah!

So easy to spot this bright green lichen on the fall leaves!

It only needs to be left out a few days to dry as it's dry to start with unless it's right after a rain.
It didn't actually label itself, but pretty darn close as there's nothing to confuse this with in my region.

If you find this in yellow, it's poison.
Always make sure you know what something is before you ingest it!

There's a version that grows longer, but it's still this gorgeous bright green color.
These are called "old mans beard". Self explanatory.

The inside of this has a white band inside when you pull it apart and attaches itself to the tree limb with one base.

Latin, from Greek leichēn, lichēn, from leichein to lick

First Known Use: circa 1655

 Leafy foliose lichens and shrubby fruticose lichens.
If you find one of these, the other is likely to be there also.

 I'm making a tincture for immune support and storing the rest.
I rescue it when I find a new limb down after a storm.
Now a great reason to look forward to storms!

Usnea and Turkey Tail mushrooms drying after harvesting.