Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is an evergreen shrub native to the US and Canada. Its leaves and oil have been traditionally used for pain.
Wintergreen leaf contains an aspirin-like chemical called methyl salicylate. It has effects that might reduce pain, swelling, and fever.
People use wintergreen for back pain, joint pain, muscle soreness, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse wintergreen with periwinkle or pipsissewa, which are sometimes called wintergreen. These are not the same.
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