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Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Ericaceae (heath circle of relatives)
The genus title Gaultheria comes from the Celtic language of historic Gaul; the that means is difficult to understand. The species title procumbens is Latin for “prostrate or flat on the ground,” which describes the low expansion behavior of this diminutive evergreen.
Wintergreen is expounded to bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, trailing arbutus, Epigaea repens, and several other different local Indian wildflowers within the heath circle of relatives. The genus Gaultheria has as many as 100 species of evergreen, erect or prostrate shrubs local mainly to the Andes of South America, to North America, and from Asia to Australia. Creeping snowberry, G. hispidula (Chiogenes hispidula), may be local to our areas. Alpine wintergreen, G. humifusa, and salal, G. shallon, are local to the mountainous north-western areas.
Wintergreen is a low-growing evergreen about six inches tall, with leathery darkish inexperienced leaves. Solitary white, bell-like flora emerge in summer season, about one-quarter inch lengthy, and grasp nodding beneath the shiny leaves. Scarlet crimson berries apply in fall and are a delectable deal with for people and birds, particularly when present in wintry weather snow. These vegetation desire sandy or peaty soils and keen on complete colour. Wintergreen is an occasional path facet plant discovered within the woods.
The oval, shiny leaves of wintergreen possess the feature flavorful oil. This used to be the unique supply of oil of wintergreen, which is now received from the grey birch, Betula lenta, or made synthetically. Cool, blank, and relatively antiseptic, the flavour of wintergreen is acquainted to us in toothpastes, lozenges, sweet, and gum. It may be utilized in some drugs.
Traditional makes use of:
Wintergreen, teaberry, checkerberry, or Green Mountain tea used to be known as pockqueesegan by way of Lake Superior Chippewa, pahgezegun by way of the Saultaux Indians in Minnesota, and pollom (for the berries) by way of the japanese Delaware Indians. This tiny local herb used to be extensively utilized by many various tribal teams as a cooling, antiseptic ache reliever, and for a lot more. Several other wooded area vegetation are now and again known as wintergreen, together with pipsissewa, Chimaphila maculata, as a result of they’re inexperienced in wintry weather and regularly utilized in equivalent techniques medicinally. Yet true wintergreen is Gaultheria procumbens, discovered increasing wild from Newfoundland to Manitoba and Minnesota, and southward to Georgia and Alabama.
American Indians historically used wintergreen leaf teas to regard complications and stomachaches, kidney illnesses, colds, sore throats, and fevers. The early spring roots had been chewed to fortify enamel and gums and save you enamel decay. A robust tea (decoction) used to be used for exterior pores and skin and sore muscle remedies and particularly for reduction of rheumatism.
Modern makes use of:
Experiments end up that the very important oil of wintergreen is anti inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic, and small quantities have behind schedule the onset of tumors. The very important oil in liniments and ointments supplies reduction from swollen muscle mass and joints and particularly from sciatica (ache within the decrease backbone as a result of nerve force) and trigeminal neuralgia (ache affecting facial nerves). This is an efficient treatment for rheumatic and arthritic issues. Wintergreen teas also are treasured to alleviate colic and flatulence.
Cautions:
The very important oil of wintergreen is extremely poisonous; absorbed via pores and skin, it harms the liver and kidneys, except for within the small quantities utilized in flavorings or liniments. People delicate to aspirin must now not take wintergreen internally. Do now not use at the pores and skin of babies.
Growth wishes and propagation:
Wintergreen favors a wealthy, acid wooded area soil. It can thrive in shaded places within the herb lawn. Propagation is in most cases by way of seed and root department, following the standard strategies for each.
Companions:
Wintergreen grows neatly with yarrow, yellow dock, pipsissewa, and Oregon holly grape.
