Tayuya vs Gaulteria Wintergreen

Climbing vine of South American rainforest; roots used in Brazilian folk medicine for pain, rheumatism and nervous conditions.

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.

cucurbitacins, terpenes, flavonoids, saponins

Methyl salicylate, Gaultherin, Arbutin, Terpenes

Rheumatism and joint pain, Nerve pain and sciatica, Headaches, Used in Brazilian folk medicine for fatigue

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

Analgesic research, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Adaptogen potential

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

1–2 g root as decoction; 2–3 mL tincture 2–3x daily

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

Pregnancy, GI inflammatory conditions

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

GI irritation, Bitter taste, Nausea at high doses

Skin irritation topically, Salicylate toxicity if ingested