Wintergreen Oil ( Gaultheria)

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 25? C. Optical rotation [-] 0.3? to [-] 10.5? at 25? C Refractive index 1.537 to 1.5405 at 25? 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.