This hot herb, a noted stimulant traditionally taken in small doses, acts on the stomach, heart, and respiratory system. Wintergreen is considered valuable against rheumatic pain, joint pain, lumbago, gout, sciatica, headache, and sore, aching muscles. There’s a use for wintergreen from top to bottom: Gargling with the tea relieves a sore and inflammed throat; douching with the tea helps get rid of a yeast infection.

It was once thought that an application of the oil expressed from the leaves could eliminate warts, corns, callouses, cysts, and even tattoos. A poultice can help bring down swellings and boils. (more…)