Shinleaf Posted on June 15, 2012 by Axie 2 A dainty little plant. A Wintergreen. Historic medical use was application of crushed leaves to bruises and injuries to ease pain. A paste of crushed leaves was called a shin plaster, and that’s the name origin. Native. Shinleaf (Pyrola elliptica) Share this: Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest