Wintergreen has been used for many centuries in conditions such as muscle, joint and connective tissue injuries and pain, inflamed nerves, coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma usually in Massage Oil and inhalation blends. It clears the head, is uplifting and relaxing.Wintergreen is often used to relieve pain and inflammation, since the leaves contain a compound closely related to aspirin. Several tribes, including the Delaware and Mohican, used a tea made from the leaves to treat kidney disorders. The Great Lakes and Eastern Woodland tribes used poultices of wintergreen to treat arthritic and rheumatic aches and pains. It was also used by many tribes to treat back pain, fever, headaches, sore throats, and many other conditions.Traditional folk remedies has led to the discovery of Methyl Salicylate, its main ingredient, as a pain reliever. Methyl Salicylate is now commercially produced and known under the name Aspirin.The essential oil is used in linaments and ointments to bring relief to inflamed or sore muscles, ligaments, and joints, or applied to such neurological conditions as sciatica and neuralgia. The oil is sometimes used to treat cellulitis, a bacterial infection causing the skin to become inflamed. Commonly used in chewing gum, toothpaste, root beer, coca-cola and candy.Wintergreen essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall.