Origins: Damp, moist, deciduous woods; often found associated with hemlock and rhododendron.

Uses: Therapeutically, the plant has been described as astringent, diuretic, and topic.

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Colonists observed the use of this low growing evergreen herb by Native American women and called the plant Squaw vine. Many tribes used it prepared as a salve for sore and cracked nipples of nursing mothers and as a medicine taken internally to hasten childbirth, ease labor pains, regulate menses, and ease cramps.
Toxicity:
It may be an abortifacient and should not be used by pregnant women, except in labor.

Part used::
Aerial parts, Berries

Origin:
America

1) A guide to medicinal plants of  Appalachia/ Krochmal, Arnold; Walter, Russel S.; Doughty, Richard M.: USA: U.S.D.A Forest Service:,1959

2) Hull, Kathleen; Photog. Hull, Meredith /Indiana Medical History Museum: Guide to the Medicinal Plant Garden./ USA: Indiana Medical History Museum. 2010. -- p. 58.