Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Photo taken by author.
What's in a [common] name?
Gaultheria procumbens falls under the umbrella category of “wintergreen” alongside several other species in the same genus. G. procumbens, in particular, has several common names including American Wintergreen, Eastern Teaberry, checkeryberry, and boxberry. However, plain, old "wintergreen" works just fine too. It derives its name from the fact that its leaves remain green throughout the winter. While its smell suggests that it may be related to mints, G. procumbens is actually more closely related to blueberries as they are in the same family of plants.
Description and Ecology
American wintergreen is a small growing shrub, usually 3-6 inches tall. Its bright green, thick leaves are ovate and contain the oil that gives the plant its wintergreen scent. Its pendulous flowers are white and bell shaped, which develop into red, edible berries. It propagates via rhizomes 2-3 cm below the soil surface which unfortunately makes them susceptible to forest fires.
In New England, this small plant is found commonly in pine or hardwood forests as it prefers more acidic soils. You might particularly find it growing amongst huckleberries, blueberries, and lily-of-the-valley to name a few of its favorite neighbors. Since its leaves and berries persist throughout the winter, it serves as an important food source for animals such as deer, chipmunks, and game birds.
Wintergreen Flowering
Gaultheria procumbens
Photo taken by author.
Science and Medicine
In this section, I only discuss information associated with G. procumbens. I do not reference other species also referred to as "wintergreen."
G. procumbens has been used for centuries in herbal medicine, if not longer. It is considered to be anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and full of antioxidants and thus used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, influenza, other colds, and fever to name a few (Olszewska et al. 2021). Its red berries have been found to be excellent sources of non cytotoxic (safe) salicylates (aspirin-related compounds) and procyanidins (polyphenols with a multitude of pharmacological properties), which may be the agents contributing to wintergreen’s medicinal properties (Michel et al. 2020). Additionally, the essential oil derived from the fragrant leaves has been found to be antifungal, antimicrobial, and insecticidal (Homa et al. 2015; Kluga et al. 2021; Demeter et al. 2021).
While generally considered very safe, the first case of allergic contact dermatitis to wintergreen essential oil was reported in 2022, which underscores the importance of safe practices when dealing with even edible herbs (Franceschi et al. 2022). Always try a little bit first, before you try a lot to help mitigate potential reactions.
Warnings
While generally considered very safe, the first case of allergic contact dermatitis to wintergreen essential oil was reported in 2022 which underscores the importance of safe practices when dealing with even edible herbs (Franceschi et al. 2022). Always try a little bit first, before you try a lot to help mitigate potential reactions.
Furthermore, if you are allergic to aspirin, you should avoid wintergreen. The salicylates found in wintergreen are closely related to aspirin.
Culinary Uses
Tea - In my experience, which has been reported on other blogs as well, steeping wintergreen in boiling water does not create a tea that tastes like wintergreen. I have found a recipe that I haven't tried yet, but will in the coming weeks: fill a jar with wintergreen leaves and cover with water. Place a lid on the jar and allow to ferment for 3 days. Bubbles should form. Strain and warm the liquid to taste.
Alcohol Extract - Shred a jar full of wintergreen leaves and cover with vodka (I used Tito's). Place in a cool dark place for 3 weeks. Give the jar a swirl once a day or every other day. After 3 weeks, strain through a cheese cloth. The extraction can be used to flavor drinks, ice cream, or even as mouthwash.
Friendly (AKA edible) Look Alikes in New England
Squaw Vine: Mitchella repens
Photo taken by author.