Long before drugstores became commonplace in Eastern Kentucky, mountain families often turned to the forests for remedies to treat everyday ailments.
One plant traditionally associated with those remedies was wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), also known as teaberry or checkerberry.
Native to the Appalachian Mountains, wintergreen is a small evergreen shrub that grows along the forest floor. Unlike many plants, it remains green throughout winter, sometimes displaying bright red berries against the fallen leaves and snow.
A Traditional Mountain Medicine
Wintergreen has a long history in Native American herbal medicine, including Cherokee traditions. Its medicinal uses later became familiar in Appalachian folk healing.
Historically, wintergreen was used for several common complaints:
Muscle and joint pain: Wintergreen preparations were traditionally applied to aching muscles, stiff joints, and rheumatic discomfort.
Colds and headaches: The leaves were sometimes brewed into teas intended to relieve headaches, fevers, and symptoms of winter illnesses.
Digestive discomfort: Wintergreen was also used in folk remedies for stomachaches and gas.
What Does Modern Science Say?
Interestingly, wintergreen's reputation as a pain reliever has a scientific explanation.
The plant contains compounds associated with methyl salicylate, a chemical related to aspirin. Methyl salicylate remains an ingredient in some commercially manufactured muscle rubs and topical pain relievers.
However, concentrated wintergreen oil is highly poisonous if swallowed, and improper use on the skin can also be dangerous. Homemade wintergreen medicinal preparations are not recommended.
A Little Piece of Appalachian History
For earlier generations living in the mountains, knowledge of native plants was often passed down from grandparents to children.
Wintergreen was just one of many plants associated with the traditional medicine of Appalachia.
Today, it remains a familiar part of our woodland landscape and a reminder of the resourcefulness of the mountain people who came before us.
The next time you walk through an Eastern Kentucky forest during winter, keep an eye out for this little evergreen. Its leaves and red berries are a small but fascinating part of Appalachian natural history.
Herbalist's Note: This article is intended to preserve Appalachian herbal history, not provide medical advice. Never consume wintergreen essential oil or use homemade medicinal preparations without appropriate professional guidance.
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