The Wintergreen Plant
LATIN NAME: Gaultheria procumbens The Wintergreen plant is also known as Checkerberry, Spiceberry, Teaberry, Mountain tea, Canada tea, Redberry tea, Ground berry, Box berry, Grouse berry, Hill berry, Chink, Ivory plum, and Red pollom. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION: The Wintergreen plant is an evergreen, creeping shrub that is very aromatic and only grows to six inches in height. Its branches stand erect and bear dark green, glossy leaves and small, white, bell-shaped flowers. It bears scarlet to bright red berries that are edible. The berries are used medicinally, but it is the herb’s glossy green leaves that the essential oil is distilled from. The Wintergreen herb contains a compound composed of 90 percent methyl salicylate, a substance that is similar to aspirin. The oil of wintergreen is a flavoring agent for tooth powders, liquid dentifrices, pastes and is often combined with menthol and eucalyptus. Take internally for: * rheumatism * minor stomach upsets * colds * sore throat * headaches * earaches * fever * cellulitis * bacterial infections Drink as a tea for: * nephritis * neuralgia * irritated bladder * flatulence * colic * children’s headache Apply externally as a poultice for: * arthritis * rheumatic pain * pain and swelling of injured muscles * pain and swelling of injured ligament and joints PREPARATIONS: Wintergreen is available in essential oil, tincture, and bulk herb for tea. Wintergreen herb can be used as a tea, infusion, liniment, and poultice. Parts used: Leaves Collection: Leaves are gathered all year long, but summer is the best time. Berries are gathered both in the summer and the fall. Constituents: Essential oil, tannins, mucilage, resin, phenols, volatile oil Actions: Diuretic, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, astringent, stimulant, antiseptic, analgesic SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS: * oil of wintergreen can be harmful if taken internally * Wintergreen essential oil should be used only for external use. * Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this oil.
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