Wintergreen

Botanical: Gaultheria procumbens
Family:   Ericaceae (heath-blueberry)

Other common names: Teaberry, Boxberry, Mountain Tea, Hillberry, Spiceberry, Wax Cluster, Wax Berry, Ground Berry, Spring Wintergreen, Aromatic Wintergreen, Spicy Wintergreen, Checkerberry*, Deerberry*, Partridge Berry*

*Important Note:  These common names should not be confused with another herb of the madder (rubiaceae) family, Mitchella repens, which is also commonly called Checkerberry, Deerberry, Partridgeberry, Squawberry, Squaw Vine and Mitchella.  Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is an entirely different plant of a different genus with different therapeutic applications.

Wintergreen is most often associated with its use as a flavoring for candies, mouthwash and toothpaste, but it has also been used as an herbal treatment to ease the pain of arthritis, muscle soreness, headaches and menstrual pain, as well as relieve diseases of the urinary tract.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Wintergreen, a plant native to the New World, is so named because it remains green, even in the deepest part of winter, and it is most often associated with its use as a flavoring for candy, gum and mouthwash.  However, Wintergreen has also been used medicinally for many centuries.  It was chewed by Native Americans to increase lung capacity and by early settlers to prevent tooth decay.  Wintergreen has also been used to ease the pain of rheumatism, muscle soreness, pain associated with menstruation and headaches.  It was used as an antiseptic and as a treatment for asthma as well.  It is now known that Wintergreen leaves contain a compound called methyl salicylate, an ester similar to aspirin. Methyl salicylate gives Wintergreen its ability to ease the pain of sore muscles and arthritis. Wintergreen has also been used in the treatment of bladder inflammation and diseases of the urinary tract, prostate and kidneys.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Wintergreen should not be taken by people who are hypersensitive to salicylates (aspirin).  Those who take warfarin (Coumadin) or any prescription blood-thinning medications should not use Wintergreen. The oil should never be ingested (it is meant for external use only), and because it is so easily absorbed through the skin, it can become toxic to the kidneys and liver if used for more than three days a month. Do not use Wintergreen is you suffer from acid reflux (GERD) problems.

Capsule Information:
Our Wintergreen supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.