Wintergreen
Profile
| Latin Name | Gaultheria procumbens |
| Chinese Name | Men Shou Xiang |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Note | Middle |
| Aroma | <Soft> Sharp |
| Color | Clear to Pale-Yellow |
| Parts Distilled | Inner Bark |
| Regions | Northeastern America |
| Taste | Sweet Nature: Wanning |
| Affinity | KI/BL |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Methyl salicylate (~90%) |
| Skin Type | NIA |
| Dosage | 3% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Expel Wind-Damp-Cold Bi-Obstruction
Specific Protocols
- See Birch = 5-6% dilution of Birch (30%), Atlas Cedar (30%), Rosemary (20%), and Yarrow (20%) to Cold Bi-Obstruction syndromes.
Actions
- Analgesic
- Diuretic
- Circulatory stimulant
- Anti-inflammatory
Contraindications & Cautions
- Kidney toxic in large or frequent dosage
- Can irritate skin in high dilutions
Additional Comments
- Birch is often substituted for Wintergreen Oil, since the tree is scarce and the true oil is seldom available.
- Wintergreen Oil is also considered an environmental toxin.