• Botanical Name: Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall.
• Family: Ericaceae.
• Flowering and fruiting: March-July, September-November
• Parts Used: Leaves
• Distribution: It is a native of Himalaya and is distributed in central and eastern regions of the country ranging between 1100-2800m. Himalaya (Nepal to Arunachal Pradesh), NE India, Bhutan, N. Myanmar, Sri Lanka.
• Method of Extraction: Steam Distillation

Description:

A robust shrub approximately 2-3m high. Leaves stalked, 3-13.5cm x 1.5-5cm, oblong-lanceolate, serrate, coriaceous, bright green. Flowers white, scented. Fruits deep purplish-blue when ripe.

Specification of Wintergreen
1. Organoleptic Properties
Appearance	Fluid liquid.
Color	Amber or pinkish
Aroma	Aromatic with a sweet odor, creamy-fruity top note.
2. Physico-chemical Properties
Specific gravity	1.1735 to 1.1855 at 25°C.
Optical rotation	[-] 0.3º to [-] 10.5º at 25º C
Refractive index	1.537 to 1.5405 at 25°C.
Acid number	10 to 25
Ester number	335 to 365
Ester number after acetylation	88.8 to 98% (calculated as Methyl Salicylate)
Solubility	Soluble in 2.0 to 3.5 volumes of 80% alcohol.
3. Chemical constituent:
Methyl salicylate, gaultherline
4. Uses
As a flavoring agent in confectionery industry and in soft drinks. In perfumery industry. In aromatherapy: Antiseptic,abti-rheumatic. As a flavoring agent in the confectionery industry and in the manufacture of soft drinks; it is also used in the pharmaceutical and perfumery industry. Medicinal & Aromatherapy use: Antiseptic, a diuretic, stimulant, emenagogue and anti- rheumatic. It is very useful in many rheumatic conditions, for gout and stiffness due to old age. It also revitalizes and gives energy following muscular pains, particularly good for athletes for instance.