Pipsissewa is a petite, shade-loving plant in the heather family easily recognized by its striking flower and toothed leaves. Also known as spotted wintergreen, dragon's tongue and rheumatism weed, pipsissewa has a natural habitat that ranges from the Pacific Northwest to eastern North America, as well as some parts of Europe.
The Cherokee and Cree routinely used pipissewa for food and also to produce teas and poultices. The common name for this plant translates from Cree to mean, "to break into small pieces."
Pipsissewa is often combined with uva ursi in tinctures and teas. This is because both herbs contain arbutin, which is converted in the body into an anti-inflammatory agent called hydroquinone.
