Eng., Methyl Salicylate. Synonyms, Oleum Gaultheriae, Oil of Gaultheria, Oil of Wintergreen, Oleum Betulae, Oil of Sweet Birch, Oil of Teaberry. It is produced synthetically or is obtained by distillation from Gaultheria procumbent or from Betula lenta. The label must indicate whether the methyl salicylate has been made synthetically or distilled from either of the above-mentiond plants.

Form

A colorless, yellowish or reddish liquid.

Odor And Taste

The characteristic odor and taste of Gaultheria.

Solubility

Sparingly soluble in water, freely miscible with alcohol.

Average Dose

12 minims (0.75 mil).

Therapeutic Action

Antipyretic, antirheumatic, antiseptic.

Uses

Sometimes used internally in place of salicylic acid or the mineral salts, but has many disadvantages, as taste, odor, liquid form, etc., and possesses no marked advantages.

Externally

Sometimes used in local applications in conjunction with the internal administration of other salicylates.