Gaulteria Wintergreen vs Cleome Gynandra

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.

Annual herb native to tropical Africa and Asia used as both a vegetable and medicine across sub-Saharan Africa for pain, infections, and respiratory conditions.

Methyl salicylate, Gaultherin, Arbutin, Terpenes

glucosinolates, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins

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

headache, fever, wounds, respiratory infections, digestive disorders

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

analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic

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

Fresh leaves as vegetable or 5–10g as tea daily

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

pregnancy high doses, allergy to Cleomaceae

Skin irritation topically, Salicylate toxicity if ingested

mild digestive upset