Herbs Guide

Prince's Pine

Family Name: N.O. Ericaceae

Botanical Name(s): Chimaphila umbellata (LINN.)

Popular Name(s): Pyrola umbellata, Winter Green, Butter Winter, King's Cure

Parts Used: The leaves

Habitat: Prince's Pine is found in Europe, Asia, America and in Siberia

Description: Prince's Pine is an evergreen, erect shrub which grows to height of 10-30 cm. The leaves are arranged in whorls of 3-8 on stem with a size of 3-7 cm in length and 0.5-2.5 cm in breadth and possess dark green colour on the upper surface. The flowers are pinkish to somewhat rose in colour. The fruits bear round capsules which are 5-7 mm broad and 5-celled.

Uses: Prince's Pine is used as diuretic, astringent, tonic and as an alterative. The bruised fresh leaves of the plant acts as vesicants and rubefacients. The decoction prepared from its leaves is advantageous to chronic gonorrhoea, strangury, catarrh of the bladder and it cures ascites.