Squawvine

Parturient, emmenagogue, diuretic, astringent, tonic, alterative. This great herb is another legacy from our American Indians, who held it in high esteem as a uterine tonic to take during pregnancy and as a parturient agent. It makes childbirth safe and wonderfully easy. It is highly beneficial for all uterine complaints and most effective as a female regulator. As a parturient agent, it is reputed by some herbalists to be better than red raspberry leaves, who also recommend these two herbs as a good combination. Squaw vine has very valuable diuretic, tonic and alterative properties, resembling those in prince's pine or pipsissewa (Chimophila umbellata) and black haw (Viburnum prunifolium), for which it is often substituted, or used in combination. An evergreen with paired, roundish leaves along a slightly woody, creeping stem. The leaves are variegated with whitish lines. Pink or white 4 petaled flowers, in twin-like union, terminate the stem. The fruit is a bright red berry, remaining on the stem through the winter. Found in eastern, central North America in moist or dry woods. The berries are edible, but dry, seedy and bland. They are added to salads for color. It is a diuretic, tonic, and astringent. The dried or fresh leaf or berry tea is used mainly for a pregnancy tonic, delayed, irregular or painful menstruation, to ease childbirth, for piles,and dysentery. Used as a wash for sore nipples, swellings, hives, arthritis. Good for uterine complaints, diarrhea, edema. Used as a substitute for pipsissewa. Use with medical advise.