Gaultheria Procumbens L.
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This article from the 1928–1936 Soviet medical encyclopedia details Gaultheria procumbens, a North American plant used in folk medicine. It describes the plant's medicinal use, the properties of its essential oil, and its chemical composition, which is primarily methyl salicylate.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS L THERIA PROCUMBENS ., gaultheria, family Ericaceae, grows in North America, where it is used in folk medicine as an astringent. The plant yields an essential oil used in medicine. Fresh oil is colorless, but it now often reddens. Specific gravity 1.180-1.187, boiling point 218-221°. It dissolves in 5-8 volumes of diluted (70%) alcohol. It consists of methyl salicylate ester (96-99%). It is now often prepared synthetically by distilling 2 parts wood spirit, 2 parts salicylic acid, and 1 part sulfuric acid. It is applied internally in doses of 10-20 drops in capsules or in milk for acute articular rheumatism, but more often externally: in ointments or pure on cotton on inflamed swollen joints; gaultheria oil easily penetrates through the skin and is excreted in the urine in the form of salicylic acid compounds. It is applied in technology in the manufacture of fruit essences.
Related articles
Cite this page
“Gaultheria Procumbens L..” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/gaultheria-procumbens-l/