Condition
Treatment Support
antiinflammatory
Application
essential oil externally
Wintergreen
(Gaultheria procumbens)
Also know as Checkerberry
Botanical Information
An trailing evergreen shrub in the Huckleberry famiy with fragrant leathery leaves with toothed margins, white flowers, and red berries.
Working with Wintergreen
Part(s) Used
Herb
Herb Forms
Essential oil, bulk herb for tea
Christopher Hobbs:
“Oil of wintergreen, which contains methyl salicylate, is widely used externally for its anti-inflammatory activity for arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, and sore muscles. The tea of the herb has a refreshing astringent taste and is used as well for nephritis and neuralgia, irritated bladder, and children’s headaches.
Wintergreen has a taste of SPICY, ASTRINGENT and a temperature of COOL.”
Historical Uses
Wintergreen has been used traditionally by Indigenous peoples of North America for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Leaves were brewed into teas for respiratory ailments, muscle pain, and joint discomfort. It was also used in poultices to treat wounds and as a flavoring in foods and beverages.
Modern Clinical Uses
Herbalists and naturopaths use wintergreen primarily for its essential oil (methyl salicylate) to relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, muscle soreness, and joint pain. It is commonly found in topical liniments, creams, and balms for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Chemistry
Wintergreen contains a high concentration of methyl salicylate, which constitutes about 85-99% of its essential oil. Other compounds include tannins, flavonoids, and glycosides. Methyl salicylate is hydrolyzed in the body to salicylic acid, which shares similarities with aspirin in its pharmacological effects.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of Action: Methyl salicylate acts as a counterirritant when applied topically, causing localized skin irritation to distract from deeper pain. It also inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX), reducing inflammation.
- Absorption: Topically absorbed methyl salicylate is metabolized in the liver and excreted as salicylic acid.
- Effects: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Clinical Trials
Limited clinical trials specifically on wintergreen or methyl salicylate exist. However, studies on similar salicylate compounds show efficacy for pain relief and inflammation reduction. Small trials on topical formulations with wintergreen oil suggest mild to moderate efficacy for musculoskeletal pain. More robust clinical research is needed to confirm its therapeutic potential and safety profile.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Risks: Methyl salicylate can be toxic in large amounts, particularly if ingested or excessively absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, dizziness, respiratory distress, and in severe cases, metabolic acidosis.
Precautions: Avoid oral ingestion of the essential oil and excessive topical use, especially in children, pregnant women, and individuals sensitive to salicylates or with aspirin allergies.
Contraindications: Not recommended for open wounds, broken skin, or near mucous membranes.
Oil of wintergreen is too toxic to be used internally.
Conditions treated with Wintergreen
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
analgesic
Application
oil, externally
Condition
Treatment Support
counterirritant
Application
oil externally
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
oil externally
Condition
Treatment Support
analgesic
Application
oil externally
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
