Wintergreen (Chimaphila umbellata)

Wintergreen (Chimaphila umbellata) is a member of the Ericaceae family, native to Eastern United States, Southeastern United States, and Eastern Canada. Traditionally, its roots, leaves, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Wintergreen (Chimaphila umbellata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Wintergreen (Chimaphila umbellata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Wintergreen
Scientific Name	Chimaphila umbellata
Plant Family	Ericaceae
Genus	Chimaphila
Species	umbellata
Native Range	Eastern United States, Southeastern United States, Eastern Canada
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Leaves, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Astringent, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Chimaphila umbellata
Common Name: Wintergreen
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Redmaids, Sweet Root, Christmas Moss
Plant Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Chimaphila

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 20 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Laminae with smooth margins, upper surface glabrous, lower surface with distinct stomatal bands and pale pubescence.
Flowers: Umbellate inflorescence with white flowers, actinomorphic symmetry, five sepals, five petals, and yellow staminodes.
Stems: Erect, woody, branched, with opposite, ovate, sessile leaves and terminal umbellate inflorescences.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate tonic, in general wellness contexts.
Astringent: As described in traditional systems, a soothing astringent, in drying-focused uses.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a cooling anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Bitter: Historically regarded as a warming bitter, for digestion-related formulations.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates partial shade to full shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.