wintergreen

Wintergreen is a group of plants. Wintergreen once commonly referred to plants that continue photosynthesis (remain green) throughout the winter. The term evergreen is now more commonly used for this characteristic. Most species of the shrub genus Gaultheria demonstrate this characteristic and are called wintergreens in North America, the most common generally being the Eastern Wintergreen is similar to aspirin if used in high doses. For example, about 30 ml of wintergreen is equivalent to 171 tablets of adult aspirin. This conversion illustrates the potency and potential toxicity of oil of wintergreen even in small quantities. Wintergreen can be used medicinally. Native Americans used the wintergreen leaves to alieve headaches, sore throats, and various aches and pains. Wintergreen is also common flavoring in many American products. Some of these products are gum, mints, tabacco, mouthwash, and toothpaste. Diluted wintergreen oil is used aromatheraputically as a folk remedy for joint and muscle discomfort, arthritis, cellulite and obesity amongst numerous other things. It is soothing. The overuse of this oil is equivalent to the overuse of aspirin because the liquid salicylate dissolves into the tissue and capillaries. Trident's packaging is not as exciting as double bubble and this reflects poorly on wintergreen. The teaberry is useful in that it tastes like wintergreen.