Botanical Overview
Gaultheria procumbens, commonly known as Eastern teaberry, Checkerberry, Wintergreen, American wintergreen, and Boxberry, belongs to the Ericaceae family. Native to Eastern North America, including the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada, the plant’s leaf, berry, and stem are traditionally utilized for medicinal purposes.
Energetics
Wintergreen herb has a cooling temperature quality with a drying moisture influence. It carries bitter, aromatic, and pungent tastes, exhibiting a relaxing tonicity. Directionality and qi/blood/fluid energetics are not well characterized for this species.
Primary Actions
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diaphoretic
- Antirheumatic
- Antispasmodic
Indications
Western
Gaultheria procumbens is traditionally applied for relief of rheumatic pain, muscle aches, headaches, common colds, fever, digestive upset, and inflammation. Syndromes treated include rheumatism, arthritis, respiratory catarrh, and gastrointestinal discomfort. No specific traditional indications are reliably documented in TCM, Ayurveda, or Unani systems.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include methyl salicylate (providing analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects), flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. Methyl salicylate is responsible for the characteristic aroma and therapeutic effects, acting similarly to salicylates (aspirin).
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 1-2 g dried leaf in 200 mL water, 2-3 times daily
- Topical ointment or liniment containing 5-10% wintergreen oil
- Essential oil diluted for external use only; ingestion is contraindicated
Safety & Contraindications
Use caution due to methyl salicylate content; excessive ingestion or topical overuse may cause toxicity. Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, and in individuals allergic to salicylates or with bleeding disorders. Avoid concurrent use with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs due to increased bleeding risk.
Astrological Correspondences
Astrological or elemental rulers for Gaultheria procumbens are not clearly established in authoritative sources and thus are not assigned here.
Selected References
- Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd Edition), 2011
- Gaultheria procumbens – PFAF Database
- Wintergreen Leaf and Oil, American Botanical Council Herbal Pharmacology Database
- Commission E Monographs, 1998