Family Name: Ericaceae
Botanical Name(s): Gaultheria Procumbens
Popular Name(s): Teaberry, Box berry, Mountain Tea,
Checkerberry, Aromatic Wintergreen, Partridge Berry, Deer berry.
Parts Used: Leaves
Habitat: Northern United States from Georgia to Newfoundland;
Canada.
Description: A small indigenous shrubby, creeping, evergreen
plant, growing about 5 to 6 inches high under trees and shrubs,
particularly under evergreens such as Kalmias and Rhododendrons. It is
found in large patches on sandy and barren plains, also on mountainous
tracts. The stiff branches bear at their summit tufts of leaves, which
are petiolate, oval, shiny, coriaceous, the upper side bright green and
paler underneath.
Uses: Useful as a diuretic and emmenagogue and for chronic
mucous discharges. It is said to be a good galactogogue. The oil of
Gaultheria is its most important product.
