A prostrate shrub, 15 cm (6 in) high, it has dark-green, glossy, oval leaves and clusters of small, white, drooping, bell-shaped flowers in summer, followed by scarlet berries.
History and traditions
This shrub is the source of the original wintergreen, later extracted from a species of birch, Betula lenta, and nowadays mostly produced synthetically. It was used as a tea and medicinally by Canadian Indians for aching muscles and joints. Its Latin name comes from Dr. Jean-Francois Gaulthier, who worked in Quebec in the mid-1700s. The leaves were officially in the United States Pharmacopoeia until towards the end of the 19th century and wintergreen oil is still listed.
Growth
Grow in a moist soil, on the acid side of neutral, in partial shade. Dividing the rooted suckers is the easiest way to propagate this plant. Semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in summer, or seeds can be sown in containers and overwintered in a cold frame.
Parts used
Leaves, essential oil obtained by distillation of the leaves.
Uses
Medicinal
The leaves contain methyl salicylate, an anti-inflammatory with similar properties to aspirin. The essential oil has antiseptic properties and is used for massaging aches and pains, for rheumatism and arthritis. Infusions of the leaves are used as gargles.
