A volatile oil distilled from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens Linne (Winter-green); (nat. ord. Ericaceae), consisting almost entirely of Methyl Salicylate (Ch8c7h5o3=151.64) and nearly identical with Volatile Oil of Betula.

Habitat

North America, west to Minnesota, and south to Georgia.

Characters

A colorless or yellow, or occasionally reddish liquid, having a characteristic, strongly aromatic odor, and a sweetish, warm and aromatic taste. Sp. gr.: 1.175 to 1.185. Boiling point: 218o to 221o C. (424.40 F. to 429.80 F.). It deviates polarized light slightly to the left. In other respects it has the same properties and conforms to the same reactions and tests as Methyl Salicylate (see Methyl Salicylas; also Oleum Betulae Volatile). Dose, 1 to 5 m.; .06 to .30 c.c.

Preparation

Spiritus Gaultheriae. Spirit Of Gaultheria

Oil of Gaultheria, 50; Alcohol, 950.

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr.; 4. to 8. c.c.