Native to Canada, wintergreen is an evergreen sub-shrub that grows in coniferous forests, undergrowth, and clearings in North America. Wintergreen was already known to the North American Indians, who used the leaves of this plant in traditional medicine to treat various ailments (headaches, backaches, fevers, etc.) Decoctions were used as gargles against sore throats or applied as compresses to relieve skin inflammation. In the 19th century, analysis of the active ingredients of Gaultheria revealed the presence of methyl salicylate. This compound in the essential oil, hydrolysed to salicylic acid, is a precursor of aspirin.
Wintergreen essential oil is also used in perfumery for its woody smell In North America, wintergreen is called "Wintergreen" and refers to the persistence of its leaves in winter. It is also called "Canada tea" or "mountain tea", as its leaves are often prepared like tea.
Amipreserve is a pure natural salicylic acid with preservative power.
INCI name
Salicylic Acid
