Wintergreen is related to bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, trailing arbutus, Epigaea repens, and several other native Indian wildflowers in the heath family. Alpine wintergreen, G. humifusa, and salal, G. shallon, are native to the mountainous north-western regions. These plants are all related to each other and they are found in abundance in the Indian subcontinent. Wintergreen is a low-growing evergreen about six inches tall, with leathery dark green leaves. Solitary white, bell-like flowers emerge in summer, about one-quarter inch long, and hang nodding below the glossy leaves. Scarlet red berries follow in fall and are a tasty treat for humans and birds, especially when found in winter snow. These plants favor sandy or peaty soils and partial to full shade. Wintergreen is an occasional trail side plant found in the woods.

The oval, glossy leaves of wintergreen possess the characteristic flavorful oil. This was the original source of oil of wintergreen, which is now obtained from the gray birch, Betula lenta, or made synthetically. Cool, clean, and slightly antiseptic, the flavor of wintergreen is familiar to us in toothpastes, lozenges, candy, and gum. It is also used in some medicines.

Uses of Wintergreen Oil:

• It is widely used to treat headaches and stomachaches in the Indian Subcontinent in the very popular natural science known as Ayurveda.
• It is widely used to treat common colds, sore throats, and many types of fevers in the daily household. The main reason being, the oil is natural and has very little or no side effects depending on the consumptions and usage from individual to individual.It is also used at a very high rate to treat kidney aliments.
• The oil extracted from Wintergreen plant’s roots is used to strengthen the teeth and the gums.
• Regular use of this oil will also help the consumers and the users to prevent tooth decay.
• Studies have shown that the regular use of this oil will delay the onset of many types of tumors.
• The essential which consists of various types of liniments has proved to be highly successful in providing relief from swollen muscles and joints.
• The essential which consists of various types of liniments has proved to be highly successful in providing relief from sciatica which is chronic pain caused in lower part of the human spine because of the high nerve pressure.
• The essential which consists of various types of liniments has proved to be highly successful in providing relief from trigeminal neuralgia which a pain which affects the facial nerves of an individual.
• This essential oil is a perfect remedy for the rheumatic and arthritic problems.
• This oil is also widely used to treat and get relief from colic and flatulence.

Benefits of Wintergreen Oil:

• It is anti-inflammatory.
• It is an excellent analgesic.
• It is an excellent anti-septic.
• It is widely used to delay the onset of multiple tumors.