Arnica chamissonis vs Gaulteria Wintergreen

North American arnica species used as a sustainable substitute for protected Arnica montana.

A North American woodland plant yielding oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate); a topical pain reliever with aspirin-like activity; widely used for muscle and joint pain.

helenalin, dihydrohelenalin, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, caffeic acid

Methyl salicylate, Gaultherin, Arbutin, Terpenes

bruises, muscle pain, sprains, arthritis, trauma

Rheumatic pain in Native American medicine, Headache and fever relief, Antiseptic wound dressing

anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihematoma, vulnerary

Topical analgesic for joint pain, Muscle pain and sports injuries, Anti-inflammatory

Topical only

Topical oil as needed; 1-2g dried leaves as tea

broken skin, internal use toxic, asteraceae allergy

NEVER ingest essential oil – salicylate poisoning, Avoid in aspirin allergy, Avoid with blood thinners

contact dermatitis, skin irritation

Skin irritation topically, Salicylate toxicity if ingested