Wintergreen is extensively used in pain-relieving formulas; its chemical makeup is essentially that of liquid aspirin - being made up almost exclusively of methyl salicylate. The salicylates pass through the skin, entering the tissues to inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. The plant has been used for respiratory conditions and is often included in formulas to open the breathing passages, but is mainly employed for joint and muscular pain relief from conditions such as arthritis, lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, gout, fibromyalgia.

Contradictions: Wintergreen should NOT be used by people who are allergic to aspirin. Further, Wintergreen should NEVER be ingested and only used topically in dilutions of 12% or Care must be taken to always keep the oil away from children.