COMMON NAMES. False Wintergreen, Shin-leaf, Canker-Lettuce, Pear-leaf Wintergreen, etc.
    MEDICINAL PART. The herb.
    Description. -- This is a low, perennial, evergreen herb. The leaves are radical, ovate, nearly two inches in diameter, smooth, shining, and thick. The petioles are much longer than the leaf. The flowers are many, large, fragrant, white, and drooping. The fruit is a five-celled, many-seeded capsule.
    History. -- This plant is common in damp and shady woods in various parts of the United States, flowering in June and July. The whole plant is used, and imparts its medicinal properties to water.
    Properties and Uses. -- It is astringent, diuretic, tonic, and antispasmodic. The decoction is much used in all skin diseases, and is good to eradicate a scrofulous taint from the system. It is used in injection for whites and various diseases of the womb. The herb is applied with profit as a poultice to ulcers, swellings, boils, felons, and inflammations. The decoction will be found beneficial as a gargle for sore throat and mouth, and as a wash for sore or ophthalmic eyes. Administer it internally for gravel, ulceration of the bladder, bloody urine, and other urinary diseases; also, for epilepsy and other nervous affections.
    Dose. -- Of the decoction, one fluid ounce, three times a day; of the extract, two to four grains.