Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens) – Dried Herb, Wildcrafted

Partridge Berry is a creeping, evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves with a white midvein, two-lobed, red berries, and paired, white, tubular flowers. The berries taste more like a vegetable resembling a slightly sweet and astringent cucumber. The flower’s ovaries give rise to a single dark red berry, ripening through September’s frost. Partridge Berry looks remarkably like Wintergreen but lacks the strong scent.

Common names for Partridge Berry include Squaw Vine, Two-Eyed Berry, Running Fox, Deerberry, Checkerberry, Winter clover, One Berry, Twinberry and Noon Kie Oo Nah Yeah (in the Mohawk language). Its species name is the Latin adjective “repens”, which means “creeping”.

Partridge Berry is a member of the Madder Family (Rubiaceae). Other well known members of the Madder family include Cinchona tree and Cleavers also know as bedstraw. Native to eastern North America this scrub can be found growing in woodland habitats and along stream banks.

Partridge Berry leaves and berries has been used by Native American tribes for centuries for their healing properties – the berries have been used as food. Eventually this herb was introduced to Western medical herbalism via early contact with North American Indigenous tribes.

The main use of this plant by Indigenous women was as a uterine tonic. The tea was drank to shorten the second stage labour, facilitate delivery and to bring on suppressed menstruation or for irregular or painful menses. Traditionally used for diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties to support various urinary conditions such as urethritis, prostatitis and painful urination. Externally applied as a poultice for swellings, sore eyes, skin problems and sore nipples; and a steam bath to treat stiff and sore muscles and joints.

Properties: 

The taste and energetics of Partridge Berry are bitter, astringent, cooling and drying. Partridge Berry has an affinity to the uterus, ovaries, urinary system and musculoskeletal system. For a uterine tonic combine Partridge Berry with Ladies Mantle, Rosehips or Crampbark. For urinary system support combine Partridge Berry with Cleavers, Marshmallow root, Corn Silk or Horsetail.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Partridge Berry to one cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Cautions & contraindications:

Do not use during pregnancy except the last few weeks of pregnancy and during labour. 

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.