Wintergreen

Wintergreen is easy to identify by the small, shiny, almost waxy oblong green leaves that come to a point where it connects to the stem (these leaves can also sometimes be purple). The underside of the leaves often has black speckles or dots. It sprawls out to form a woody groundcover. When you break apart the leaves, they give off an incredible and unmistakable mint scent. The plant also develops little edible red berries which share that same minty scent and flavor. They look a bit like tiny upside-down red apples with 5 lobed bumps and a stem sticking up away from the plant. Since Wintergreen does not die in winter, it’s possible to forage for it throughout the year, making it a readily available survival plant.

Wintergreen’s effectiveness against pain is due to the action of methyl salicylate, which constitutes about 99 percent of wintergreen’s essential oil. This compound is similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and, when digested, acts almost exactly like it. A tea made from wintergreen leaves can help ease a fever and take the edge off of a headache. However, any caution that applies to aspirin also applies to wintergreen tea. It’s not recommended for children, pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, and don’t use it if allergic to aspirin.

Wintergreen tea is made from the leaves and has a delicious sweet and warm minty flavor. Simmer a small handful of leaves on the stove in approximately 1-2 cups of water for 20 minutes. Chop up the leaves first to help release their flavor!

To make a topical cream for arthritis or rheumatism, use the following recipe:

1) Rinse and dry the wintergreen leaves thoroughly.

2) Chop the leaves.

3) Please in a mason jar and cover with vodka. Put lid on top.

4) Place jar in a dark location for 6 weeks or more. Shake once every day or two.

5) Strain the vodka, add another cup of wintergreen leaves and allow to sit for another 6 weeks.

6) Test for flavor. For very strong extract, you can repeat this step again.

7) Blend the extract with Bear Grease (Ideal but difficult to come by) or Vaseline.