Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is a member of the Ericaceae family, native to Eastern United States, Eastern Canada, and Northeastern United States. Traditionally, its leaves, fruits, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and carminative actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Wintergreen
Scientific Name	Gaultheria procumbens
Plant Family	Ericaceae
Genus	Gaultheria
Species	procumbens
Native Range	Eastern United States, Eastern Canada, Northeastern United States
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Fruits, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Carminative
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Gaultheria procumbens
Common Name: Wintergreen
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Gaultheria, Partridgeberry, Redstem
Plant Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Gaultheria

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 10 to 30 centimeters.
Leaves: Lateral, opposite leaves with smooth margins, upper surface dark glossy green, lower surface pale grayish green, possessing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Small, actinomorphic flowers with five white petals, five yellow stamens, and a single pistil, arranged in clusters of two to three along the stems.
Stems: Elongated, prostrate growth habit with opposite branching, covered in dense, appressed glandular hairs, and exhibiting a succulent, herbaceous texture.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a soothing anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate tonic, for long-term use contexts.
Carminative: Historically regarded as a mild carminative, in digestion-focused applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.
Extract: This method isolates plant compounds using alternative solvents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.