- Region
- North America
- Origin
- North America
North America · Herb · № 326
Mitchella repens
Herb · North America
Partridge berry
Mitchella repens
Traditionally attributed effects: stimulates the uterus, tonic, restorative, astringent, diuretic.
Safety notes
Not in the 1st and 2nd trimester without a doctor. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (3)
- Western herbalism: Not in the 1st and 2nd trimester without a doctor.
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Seek advice in pregnancy.
- Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine: Not in early pregnancy.
Preparation
Aerial parts.
Use in traditions
Indigenous women drank tea from the creeping herb in the last weeks of pregnancy to ease childbirth, which is where the English nickname squaw vine (now regarded as offensive) comes from. Eclectic physicians adopted the remedy. The red berries are edible but tasteless.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Stimulates the uterus, tonic, restorative, astringent, diuretic.
Preparation and amount
Aerial parts.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Promotes contractions, diuretic, tonic, astringent; strengthens the uterus and ovaries, promotes conception, eases childbirth, strengthens the bladder, curbs diarrhoea, soothes tired eyes.
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1–2 tsp per cup, 10–15 min, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 1 dropperful 1–3 times a day or 5 drops every 20 min; eyewash.
Caution: Not in the 1st and 2nd trimester without a doctor.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For a baby that cries and arches as if its back hurts, or has a swollen belly; for labour pains and fever.
Preparation and amount
Boil a bunch of the trailing stems in water; give the baby a little by spoon and wash it with it.
Caution: Seek advice in pregnancy.
Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine
Attributed effects
For menstrual cramps, to ease childbirth, on sore nipples, for hives, and boiled with milk for dysentery and piles; also given to a baby before it takes the breast.
Preparation and amount
A tea of the herb.
Caution: Not in early pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Tincture