Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens · Ericaceae
Reviewed by The Sarv Health Team · Updated June 29, 2026 · Our editorial process
Wintergreen is a low evergreen woodland plant whose aromatic leaves yield a fragrant oil rich in methyl salicylate, a natural compound closely related to aspirin. Long used by Native American peoples and early American settlers, it is valued above all as a warming, anti-inflammatory pain reliever for muscles and joints. Applied topically in oils, liniments, and salves, wintergreen helps ease the pain and stiffness of arthritis, rheumatism, sore muscles, sprains, and back pain by stimulating circulation and reducing inflammation in the area. As a tea, the leaves were traditionally used to relieve aches, fevers, and minor digestive complaints. Its high methyl salicylate content makes wintergreen oil potent, so it is used diluted and externally rather than ingested as essential oil. Warming and soothing, wintergreen is treasured as a remedy for muscle and joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Medicinal Uses
Wintergreen is a small creeping evergreen plant of North American woodlands, with glossy leaves and red berries that release a distinctive minty, sweet aroma. Its leaves and the oil distilled from them have a long history of use among Native American peoples and early settlers, chiefly as a remedy for pain and inflammation. The plant is notable for being rich in methyl salicylate, a naturally occurring compound chemically related to aspirin (salicylic acid).
The foremost medicinal use of wintergreen is as a topical pain reliever for the muscles and joints. Applied externally in diluted oils, liniments, salves, and rubs, it helps ease the aches, stiffness, and pain of arthritis, rheumatism, sore and overworked muscles, sprains, strains, and back pain. It works as a warming counterirritant that stimulates local circulation while its salicylate content helps reduce inflammation and dull pain in the area.
As a traditional tea, the leaves were used to relieve general aches and pains, reduce fevers, and ease minor digestive upsets, reflecting the same aspirin-like, anti-inflammatory qualities in a much milder form.
Wintergreen's pleasant aroma has also made it a popular flavoring, and the diluted oil is used in aromatherapy and in chest and muscle rubs.
Because wintergreen essential oil is very concentrated in methyl salicylate, it is potent and is used externally and well diluted rather than taken internally as an essential oil, and it is kept away from children. Warming and soothing, wintergreen is treasured as a remedy for muscle and joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Benefits
Relieves muscle and joint pain, eases arthritis and rheumatism, soothes sprains, strains, and back pain, reduces inflammation, stimulates local circulation, relieves general aches, traditionally used to reduce fevers, eases minor digestive upset
How to Use & Dosage
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried wintergreen leaves in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink up to 1-2 cups daily.
Dilute wintergreen essential oil to 1-2% in a carrier oil and massage into sore muscles and joints as needed.
Apply a wintergreen-based liniment or salve to the affected area 1-3 times daily.
More Info
Frequently asked questions
What is Wintergreen used for?
Wintergreen is a small creeping evergreen plant of North American woodlands, with glossy leaves and red berries that release a distinctive minty, sweet aroma. Its leaves and the oil distilled from them have a long history of use among Native American peoples and early settlers, chiefly as a remedy for pain and inflammation. The plant is notable for being rich in methyl salicylate, a naturally occurring compound chemically related to aspirin (salicylic acid).
What are the benefits of Wintergreen?
Relieves muscle and joint pain, eases arthritis and rheumatism, soothes sprains, strains, and back pain, reduces inflammation, stimulates local circulation, relieves general aches, traditionally used to reduce fevers, eases minor digestive upset
How do you take Wintergreen?
Common preparations include infusion, topical oil, liniment or salve. See the dosage guidance above, and consult a qualified practitioner for amounts suited to you.
This information is for general wellness and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
Learn more — more Pain Management herbs
