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)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)