From The Forest

Pipsissewa is a close relative of Uva Ursi, but contains fewer tannins, is less irritating, and acts as stronger diuretic. Due to its strong diuretic properties, Pipsissewa is also useful in reducing edema surrounding the heart. Prolonged consumption of Pipsissewa Tea will help dissolve kidney stones. Pipsissewa improves liver function by helping the body eliminate excess fluids. Sip a cup of Pipsissewa tea with meals. The hydroquinine content of Pipsissewa has an antiseptic effect upon the genito-urinary system and is very useful in treating urinary infections.

Pipsissewa is a common alpine plant that forms colonies. This stout, slightly woody dwarf is an evergreen shrub that spreads from a creeping rhizome. The leaves are in whorls, narrowly oblong and sharply toothed, bright green and shiny above. The flowers are saucer-shaped with five pink, waxy petals surrounding a plump green ovary and ten reddish stamens. Several fragrant flowers nod atop the stems. Pipsissewa is widespread and common at sub-alpine elevations on mossy, well-drained sites, in coniferous forests.

Constituents: Ursolic acid, hydroquinones (arbutin, chimophilin, ericolin), flavonoids (avicularin, kaempferol), triterpenes (ursolic acid, taraxasterol), phenols, methyl salicylate, essential oil, and tannins.