Squawvine Herb is also known by the common names of twin berry, deer berry, checker berry and Partridge berry.

Squaw Vine is an old folk remedy for "female troubles." Native Americans relied on this herb to help facilitate all aspects of childbirth. Used several weeks before expected delivery, Squaw Vine is thought to tone and stimulate the uterus and encourage a safe strengthen and relax the uterine muscles and thus strengthen uterine contractions. Finally, the herb is said to help expel afterbirth when delivery is over.

Squaw Vine is believed to benefit all uterine complaints and many gynecologic ailments and has been used to ease menstrual cramps and bring on suppressed menstruation. The herb is also said to relieve pelvic congestion and alleviate the mucous vaginal discharge of leukorrhea.

As a tonic and astringent, it is thought to soothe mucous membranes and reduce catarrh and excess mucus and therefore, be effective in the treatment of diarrhea and colitis.

Squaw Vine also exerts a mild tonic and soothing effect on the nervous system and is thought to calm the nerves and ease nervous exhaustion and irritability.

As a mild diuretic, Squaw Vine is thought to promote suppressed urine and is also said to be effective in some cases of dropsy (edema), which is the retention of fluid by the body that causes swelling and discomfort, and kidney supportive. (This is not a disease in itself, but a manifestation of some other condition and should be checked by a doctor.)

---Medicinal Action and Uses---

Parturient, diuretic, tonic, astringent. Beneficial in all uterine complaints. It resembles in its action pipsissewa (Chimaphila), for which it is often substituted. It is taken by Indian women for weeks before confinement, in order to render parturition safe and easy. A herbal physician should be consulted for a safe and effectual preparation.

It is used in dropsy, suppression of urine, and diarrhoea. The following preparation is a cure for sore nipples: 2 OZ. of the herb (fresh, if possible), 1 pint of water. Make a strong decoction, strain, and add an equal quantity of good cream. Boil the whole down to the consistency of a soft salve, and when cool, anoint the nipple every time the child is removed from the breast.

---Dosages---Of a strong decoction, 2 to 4 fluid ounces, two or three times a day.  Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm. 

Health Benefits of Squawvine

• insomnia
  
• rheumatic pain
  
• fluid retention
• swellings
• Kidneys
• sore nipples
• diarrhea 
• colitis

Contraindications: Squaw Vine should not be used until the last weeks of pregnancy and always under the care of a healthcare provider.

This herb is sold by the Ounce