Rat's Vein

long been used by Indigenous Americans for medicinal purposes. The name “pipsissewa” comes from the word “pipsisikweu,” which is Muscogee (a Native American people of the southeastern region of the United States) for “breaks into small pieces.” The Muscogee used this name because the plant was used to break up kidney stones and gallstones. In fact, the plant is used for a number of treatments beyond stones. I read that pipsissewa made into a strong tea or decoction can be used to treat urinary tract infections as well. The tea has been used to reduce swelling and inflammation, including muscle aches and pains, rheumatism, and headaches. It also can reduce fevers by promoting perspiration. I’ve read that pipsissewa has an antiseptic influence on the urinary system and is sometimes used in the treatment of cystitis. Externally, the decoction can be used as a wash to treat sores and blisters.

Also called spotted pipsissewa, or Chimaphila maculata in Latin. Other common names include ratsbane, bitter wintergreen, spotted wintergreen, ground holly, herbe d’hiver, and rheumatism root, among others. Spotted wintergreen is in the heath family, Ericaceae. Spotted wintergreen has distinct dark green leaves with a lighter colored vein running down the middle of the leaf. When it flowers, spotted wintergreen produces a stem on which you can find small white or pink flowers that droop over like bells. This plant tends to grow in dry woodland areas and forest. It is native to North and Central America.