There are several kinds of Pyrola growing in North America: Green pyrola (Pyrola vivens), Pink pyrola (Pyrola asarifolia), Shin leaf (Pyrola elliptica) and Round leaved pyrola (Pyrola rotundifolia), which is the one most used in herbal practice. Pyrola is common in damp and shady woods in various parts of the United States.

The herb is a low perennial evergreen. The leaves are radical, ovate, nearly 2 in. in diameter, smooth, shining and thick, resembling Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata) and used similarly. The petioles are much longer than the leaf. The large, white, fragrant and drooping flowers are many and in blossom from June to July. The fruit is a five-celled many-seeded capsule.

Uses

Administer internally for gravel, ulcerations of the bladder, bloody urine and other urinary diseases; useful in the relief of a scrofulous taint from the system; also for epilepsy and other nervous affections. The decoction will be found beneficial as a gargle for sore throat and mouth, and as an external wash for sore or ophthalmic eyes. It is also used in injections for whites and various diseases of the womb.

Dose

1 teaspoonful of the herb to 1 cupful of boiling water, steeped 10 min. or more and taken three times a day at meal times. Of the extract, 2–4 grains.

Facts About Round Leaved Wintergreen

Round-leaved wintergreen Quick Facts
Name:	Round-leaved wintergreen
Scientific Name:	Pyrola rotundifolia

Name	Round-leaved wintergreen
Scientific Name	Pyrola rotundifolia
Common/English Name	False Wintergreen, Canker Lettuce, Shin Leaf, Pear Leaf Pyrola
Name in Other Languages	German: Rundblättriges Wintergrün; Finnish: Isotalvikki; Swedish: Isotalvikki, Vitpyrola, Vintergröna; French: Pyrole à feuilles rondes; Dutch: Rond wintergreen; English: Round-leaf wintergreen, Round-leaved wintergreen, Wintergreen
Plant Growth Habit	Plant Growth Habit
Medicinal part	Whole plant
Flowering Season	July to September