Chimaphilia umbellata
(Pipsissewa)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Alterative
• Atonic chronic conditions and infectious conditions with catarrh and stagnant lymph system
• Diuretic
• Genitourinary antiseptic
• Increases renal circulation and stimulates tubular function
• Mild lymphatic stimulant
• Scanty, painful urination with mucous

Clinical Indications:

• Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
• Cystitis
• Albuminuria
• Glucosuria
• Prostatic irritation
• Pyelonephritis

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Limited data

Chemical Constituents:

• Flavonoids:
  
  Avicularin
  Hyperoside
  Kaempferol
• Hydroquinones (In alkaline urine, hydroquinone is an effective antimicrobial and contributes to the antiseptic activity in the urinary tract):
  
  Arbutin, an antiseptic that is hydrolyzed in gastric fluid to hydroquinone
  Isohomoarbutin
• Naphthaquinones:
  
  Chimaphilin
  Renifolin
• Triterpenes:
  
  Beta-stiosterol
  Taraxasterol
  Ursolic acid

Toxicity:

• None known

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).