Page 197 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

astringent, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflamma- Always harvest with care and leave behind a healthy
tory, diuretic, and tonic. plant. Remove leaves as needed year-round for fresh
use or harvest and dry leaves for future use when a
Urinary System Problems and Kidney large supply is available. Take only one whorl at the top
Stones: The name Pipsissewa is a Cree name that of the plant when it is not in flower or in seed.
means “to break into small pieces” because of its ability
to break up and dissolve kidney stones. It contains hy-
droquinone, which disinfects the urinary system and
heals inflammation of the bladder and the urethra. It
also treats the presence of blood in the urine. The herb
is a diuretic, inducing urination and sweating. Use
prince’s pine along with cranberry for urinary tract in-
fections in women. It is also useful in the treatment of
prostatitis, gonorrhea, and other urinary system infec-
tions.

Liver Function: Prince’s pine acts as a diuretic to
help rid the body of waste products. It helps detoxify
the liver and improves its function.

Skin Problems: External application of prince’s
pine is useful for blisters, skin sores, and other skin Warning: Occasional side effects include confusion,
problems. Wash the skin with Pipsissewa Tea or apply ringing of the ears, and vomiting. Rarely, seizures can
Pipsissewa Decoction to the affected area. It can also occur. Do not use the herb long-term. In large doses,
be used to make a wet compress for use on blisters, tu- Pipsissewa can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
mors, ulcers, and to reduce swelling. Caution: for some Pipsissewa can cause the urine to turn green, but this
people it may cause a rash or blistering. is not harmful.

Arthritis, Gout, Muscle Cramps, and Back- Because of its tannin content, it can interfere with the
aches: Prince’s pine is an effective treatment for joint absorption of some medications. Allow several hours
and muscle pain, including pain from arthritic joints. between taking the herb and any medications. People
Apply a poultice of crushed prince’s pine leaves to the with poor nutrient absorption should avoid using Pip-
joint or rub with Pipsissewa Salve or Pipsissewa Decoc- sissewa, as it can reduce the absorption of minerals
tion and drink Pipsissewa Tea. It is a mild lymphatic from the gut. Do not use while pregnant or nursing.
stimulant. Some people are allergic to Pipsissewa and can develop
Diabetes: Regular use of prince’s pine decoction has a contact rash or blistering.
the ability to lower blood glucose levels in diabetics. Recipes. Pipsissewa Tea. Ingredients: 1 tea-
Use at mealtime. spoon dried crushed leaves and 1 cup boiling water.
Diuretic Properties: The herb has the same diu- Pour the boiling water over the dried, crushed leaves
retic properties as bearberry, but with a lower tannin and allow it to steep until the water is cold. Strain the
content. Used for people with high blood pressure and tea and take one to two cups of the cold tea daily.
chronic urinary tract problems. Prince’s pine also in- Pipsissewa Decoction. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons
duces sweating, which helps to reduce fevers, and it dried crushed leaves and 1 cup boiling water. This is a
helps with edema. stronger version of the tea. The effects are the same,

Respiratory Tract Problems: Pipsissewa Tea but less is needed for people who don’t like the taste.
helps treat respiratory tract infections, colds, whoop- Pour the boiling water over the dried, crushed leaves
ing cough, and bronchitis. and allow it to steep until the water is cold. Strain the

Harvesting: Prince’s pine has been over collected in tea and take from 2 to four 4 (60 ml to 120 ml), three
some areas and is disappearing from the landscape. times a day. Store the decoction in the refrigerator for
up to three days.

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