Pyrola, commonly known as wintergreen or shinleaf, has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia, for supporting urinary tract and bladder health. Ethnobotanical records indicate that various Pyrola species were used by indigenous peoples and traditional healers for symptoms such as urinary discomfort, mild infections, and inflammation. The herb was often prepared as teas or infusions to alleviate issues like difficult urination or bladder irritation. The traditional rationale for these uses was largely based on Pyrola's reputed diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, scientific research on Pyrola's effectiveness for bladder health is limited. Only a few phytochemical studies exist, noting the presence of compounds such as arbutin, which is also found in other urinary tract remedies like bearberry (Uva ursi). Arbutin is known to exert mild antimicrobial effects in the urinary tract, but the specific efficacy and safety of Pyrola for bladder health have not been widely evaluated in modern clinical trials. As a result, while there is credible historical usage supporting Pyrola for the bladder, robust scientific validation is lacking, and the evidence is considered moderate and primarily traditional.