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wintergreen oil --> methyl salicylate

aromatic methyl ester of salicylic acid, produced synthetically or distilled from gaultheria procumbens (family Ericaceae) or from betula lenta (family Betulaceae).

Used as a component of liniments, used externally and internally for the treatment of various forms of rheumatismit produces heat when rubbed into the skin (counterirritant).

Synonym: checkerberry oil, gaultheria oil, sweet birch oil, wintergreen oil.