Talk:Chimaphila maculata

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Medical Uses: Pipsissewa was listed in the US Pharmacopeia from 1820 to 1916. Native Americans of various tribes had a number of uses for the plant. A leaf tea was used it for rheumatism, as a diuretic, sudorific, for kidney and urinary complaints, for stomach problems, as a tonic. It has also been used to flavor other medicine. The leaves were applied externally on wounds and sores.

There is some question as to its value as a diuretic. It has proven value as urinary antiseptic, astringent, tonic and does have antibacterial properties. Pipsissewa is still used as a flavoring in such products as candy and root beer. Warning: Leaves applied to the skin may irritate causing redness and blisters.

Similar Species: Pipsissewa (C. umbellata) is very similar except it does not have the strip on the leaves and the flowers are more upright.