The Herb Hound: WINTERGREEN

Wintergreen: Gaultheria Procumbens, Gaultheria Shallon

Also known as: partridge berry, boxberry, checkerberry, deer berry, red pollom, ivory plum, canada tea, ground berry, etc.

Parts Used: leaves, berries

Meridians/Organs affected: liver, lungs, muscles

Properties: stimulant, astringent, aromatic, diuretic, antiseptic, emmenogogue, anti-rheumatic, anodyne, analgesic, expectorant, rubefacient, anti-inflammatory

Wintergreen is a member of the Heath family. It is native to Canada and the united states. It is a perennial plant that grows low to the ground and can get up to 12 inches tall. It has ovate shaped leaves that are toothed and get up to 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. The entire plant is very aromatic. The leaves are glossy and dark green on top and much paler and dull underneath. It is mainly found in mountain regions amongst the trees although it can be found in the desert as well. It has pink or white bell shaped flowers that are drooping and are replaced by red berries when the time is right. It blooms from June to September and the berries generally appear in October. The berries are a well loved treat for many wild animals and humans alike. They have a strong wintergreen flavor. Leaves of this plant should be gathered when the plant is in bloom and dried OUT of sunlight.

Wintergreen has been used by native american tribes for a very long time. They would chew the leaves for fevers and for pain or to freshen one's breath. They also used the leaves to make refreshing drinks. They would use the berries to feed their food animals and would use a liniment of sorts to ease aching muscles from the leaves. They also used it to improve their breathing when carrying heavy loads. Early colonists used the leaves to make tea for colds and illness and to help alkalize the stomach.

Wintergreen contains (the real stuff) around 98% methyl salicylate (aspirin anyone) which was distilled in Pennsylvania for distribution (back in the day they had some 60 distilleries dedicated just to this). Most practitioners say that wintergreen oil is poisonous and should never be ingested (however, I have found minute amounts ingested at times to be quite beneficial). Most wintergreen oil is now synthetically produced because it is much cheaper, but you can still get real wintergreen it is just harder to find. Most of your mouthwash, chewing gum, toothpaste, etc., have real wintergreen oil in them instead of the synthetic. Some products used to assist the respiratory system such as Olbas oil, still contain real wintergreen oil as well.

The Herb Hound

Thursday, January 21, 2016

WINTERGREEN

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