Common Name:

Wintergreen Oil (Oil of Gaultheria)

Botanical Name:

Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall

Geographic origin of the plant:

Western Nepal

Method of growing:

Wild

Introduction / Varity of plant / Method of extraction / Distilled organ:

It is obtained by distillation of the leaves of Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall

1. Organoleptic Properties

Appearance

Fluid liquid.

Color

Pale yellow or yellowish or pinkish.

Aroma

Strongly aromatic with a sweet characteristic odor, displaying a peculiar creamy-fruity topnote and a sweet-woody dryout.

2. Physico-chemical Properties

Specific gravity

1.1735 to 1. 1 855 at 25º C.

Optical rotation

[-] 0.3º to [-] 10.5º at 25º C

Refractive index

1.537 to 1.5405 at 25º C

Acid number

10 to 25

Ester number

335 to 365

Ester number after acetylation

88.8 to 98% (calculated as Methyl Salicylate)

Solubility

Soluble in 2.0 to 3.5 volumes of 80% alcohol

3. Uses

(a) As a flavoring agent in the confectionery industry and in the manufacture of soft drinks; it is also used in the pharmaceutical and perfumery industry.

(b) Medicinal & Aromatherapy use: Antiseptic, a diuretic, stimulant, emenagogue and anti- rheumatic. It is very useful in many rheumatic conditions, for gout and stiffness due to old age. It also revitalizes and gives energy following muscular pains, particularly good for athletes for instance.