Gaultheria procumbens

Gaultheria procumbens
Family:Gaultheria procumbens; Analgesic; Antiinflammatory; Aromatic; Astringent; Carminative; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Stimulant; Tonic.
Common name:Checkerberry
Checkerberry leaves were widely used by the native North American Indians in the treatment of aches and pains and to help breathing whilst hunting or carrying heavy loads. An essential oil (known as 'oil of wintergreen') obtained from the leaves contains methyl salicylate which is closely related to aspirin and is an effective anti-inflammatory. This species was at one time a major source of methyl salicylate though this is now mainly synthesized. The leaves and the oil are analgesic anti-inflammatory aromatic astringent carminative diuretic emmenagogue stimulant and tonic. An infusion of the leaves is used to relieve flatulence and colic. The plant especially in the form of the essential oil is most useful when applied externally in the treatment of acute cases of rheumatism sciatica myalgia sprains neuralgia and catarrh. The oil is sometimes used in the treatment of cellulitis a bacterial infection that causes the skin to become inflamed. Some caution is advised especially if the oil is used internally since essential oil is toxic in excess causing liver and kidney damage. It should not be prescribed for patients who are hypersensitive to salicylates (aspirin). The leaves can be gathered at any time from spring to early autumn they are dried for use in infusions or distilled to produce the oil.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:23 []