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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.



WINTERGREEN
(Gaultheria procumbens)
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CAUTION! Do NOT use if allergic to asprin.

CONTAINS: Manganese.

NEEDS: Humusy woodland.
HARVEST: Leaves.

MEDICINAL USES:
Tea of the leaves has been used to allay aches and pains.
Leaves have been used as a poultice for bruises, rheumatism, and arthritis.
Has been used for headaches, joint pains, inflammation, and menstrual cramps.
The oil contains methyl salicylate (oil for external use only).
Pain relief is related to the presence of methyl salicylate in the essential oil of the plant; when ingested the salicin is transformed into salicylic acid in the stomach.




©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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