Ericaceae
Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Eastern North America
Also known as: Eastern Teaberry, Boxberry, Checkerberry, Spiceberry
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Leaf
Therapeutic Uses
Muscle pain, joint pain, arthritis (topical essential oil), headaches, dental pain. Methyl salicylate most concentrated natural source — more potent than aspirin gram for gram topically.
Herbal Actions
Analgesic (topical), anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic
Active Constituents
Methyl salicylate (96–99% of essential oil — potent topical analgesic), gaultherin, arbutin, tannins
Preparation Methods
🧴 Salve/Balm⚗️ Essential Oil🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp dried leaf per 250ml, steep 10 min, 1–2x daily — very low dose internally |
| Tincture | Topical only: dilute essential oil (2–3% in carrier), apply 3x daily |
| Notes | TOPICAL USE PRIMARILY. Essential oil: 1ml methyl salicylate equivalent to several aspirin tablets when absorbed topically. Never apply near mouth of infants (fatal). Internal essential oil: toxic. Whole herb tea: safe at low doses. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Essential oil: avoid in children under 12, aspirin sensitivity, near mucous membranes. Avoid with anticoagulants. Avoid in pregnancy. Never ingest essential oil.
Side Effects: Salicylate toxicity with excessive topical application (especially children). GI irritation. Kidney and liver damage with internal essential oil.