Squaw vine is a bushy plant that usually grows under trees and shrubs. It is commonly found in North America and Canada. It has an aromatic odor and astringent taste. Squaw vine is also known as Canada tea, checker berry, deer berry, ground berry, hill berry, mountain tea, spice berry, wax cluster, box berry, and tea berry.
Squaw vine is harvested and dried. The active constituent in the plant is methyl salicylate. The odor of the volatile oils produced by squaw vine come from oenanthic alcohol and ester.
Squaw vine is used as a carminative antiseptic aromatic anatomic. It has been used to relieve neuralgia, dysmenorrhea, and medium-stage pain from a number of conditions. It has been assumed helpful for asthma, as an antiseptic, and as a uterine relaxant in folk medicine. Externally it was used for pain from ailments such as arthritis.Dosage
Squaw vine is seldom used as a supplement today. The active ingredient is produced synthetically and is more cost effective.
Precautions: Squaw vine can trigger allergic reactions. Fatal poisoning with contact of the volatile oil and percutaneous administration has been reported. Avoid overdose, for it can cause severe stomach and kidney irritation.