Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens

Common Name:

English: Checkerberry, Teaberry, Boxberry
Also, known as: Thé du Canada, Wintergrün, Tè di montagna, American Wintergreen, Boxberry, Canada Tea, Checkerberry, Deerberry, Eastern Teaberry, Essence de Gaulthérie, Gaulteria, Gaultheria Oil, Gaultheria procumbens, Gaulthérie Couchée, Ground Berry, Hilberry, Huile de Thé des Bois, Mountain Tea, Oil of Wintergreen, Partridge Berry, Petit Thé, Petit Thé des Bois, Spiceberry, Teaberry, Thé de Montagne, Thé de Terre-Neuve, Thé du Canada, Thé Rouge, Thé des Bois, Wax Cluster.

Origin: India

Harvested: Wild

Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:

Gaultheria procumbens, grows to a height of about 6 inches, has deep-green, shiny, leathery leaves, and small white flowers that develop into red fruits. They bear solitary white flowers, usually below the leaves, followed by the rather generous fruit, considering the size of the plant, which has enclosed the seed capsules and assumed the form of a bright scarlet, edible, mealy and spicy berry. The whole plant is pungent in taste the spiciness being due to the volatile oil. The collection is somewhat difficult in its scattered wild state. Cultivation requires specially constructed shade such as Goldenseal and Ginseng. Wild plants may be used for propagation; divisions of these may be set in the autumn or spring, about 6 in. apart from each way in permanent beds. The soil, which should be thoroughly mixed with a 4-in. depth of leaf mould will give a fairly good growth. The collection is usually at the end of the growing season, around October. Wintergreen’s refreshing minty aroma is stimulating and invigorating. It’s a great addition to lotions that are applied after activity.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Wintergreen Leaves Cut