Gaultheria
Gaultheria, commonly known as wintergreen, is a versatile genus of flowering plants prized for their medicinal properties. Renowned for containing methyl salicylate, these plants offer potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Frequently used in topical ointments and essential oils, Gaultheria serves as a natural remedy for soothing muscle aches.
- Scientific name: Gaultheria
- Family: Ericaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, falling into the family Ericaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its specific genus, Gaultheria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Ericaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Gaultheria | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution that spans several distinct regions across the northern hemisphere. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented within Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward the continent, it is also found throughout Southwestern Europe, specifically in France. Its range extends significantly eastward into the Russian Far East. Within this eastern territory, the species inhabits both the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Kuril Is. | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Sakhalin | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
Chemicals
Gaultheria has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Gaultheria oil.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Gaultheria oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Gaultheria has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, coughs, inflammation, myalgia, neuralgia.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coughs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myalgia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neuralgia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |