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Dietary supplement

Wintergreen Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Wintergreen is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for muscle and joint pain (topical), arthritis discomfort, headaches.Based on those ingredients, 37 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Wintergreen Leaf Extract, Dry. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Wintergreen by Hawaii Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This liquid contains one active ingredient: wintergreen leaf extract. Wintergreen has been used traditionally for muscle and joint discomfort, though the evidence supporting these uses isn't well established.

The product also contains alcohol, water, and glycerin as inactive ingredients to deliver the extract.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Wintergreen's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: muscle and joint pain relief.
  • We looked for evidence on: Back pain, Joint pain, Muscle soreness, Arthritis discomfort, Headaches.
  • The closest evidence on file: Wintergreen is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Back pain (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Wintergreen is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Muscle soreness, Joint pain.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish whether wintergreen works for back pain, muscle soreness, or joint pain. The data rates all three as having insufficient reliable evidence — meaning we don't yet have solid research to confirm the benefit.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Wintergreen

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Wintergreen leaf taken by mouth is generally well tolerated. However, wintergreen oil is unsafe if swallowed — it can cause salicylate poisoning with symptoms like headache, ringing in the ears, and confusion.

Topically, the oil is generally well tolerated on skin, but should never be covered with an occlusive dressing (like plastic wrap), because that can lead to toxic absorption. Contact dermatitis (skin irritation or allergic reaction) can occur.

Safety data in pregnancy is not on file. In lactation, wintergreen is rated likely unsafe, so it should be avoided if you're breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Wintergreen

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Wintergreen.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 37 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist before using this product if you take warfarin or any other blood thinner — wintergreen can increase bleeding risk. Also double-check if you're on aspirin or other pain relievers, as combining them with wintergreen raises the risk of salicylate toxicity.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Wintergreen might appeal to you if you're looking for a traditional remedy for muscle or joint discomfort — but the evidence for it isn't strong. If you take warfarin or aspirin, or any other blood thinners or pain relievers, you need to check with your pharmacist before using this product.

Never swallow the concentrated oil, and don't cover treated skin with a bandage. Talk to your pharmacist about whether this is right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Wintergreen, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 840253656414
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2023
DSLD ID 301984
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Wintergreen by Hawaii Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
840253656414
IngredientAmount% DV
Wintergreen Leaf Extract, Dry983 mg--

Other ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Shake well before using. For adults add about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to some juice or water, up to 4 times a day.

Precautions

Warning: We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

May affect the ability to drive and operate machinery. May have contraindications, can cause side effects and adverse reactions. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children!

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Seals/Symbols

cGMP Made in compliance with cGMP 21 CFR 111 in an FDA registered and inspected facility.

Organic Alcohol Based USA Made in United States of America

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Scan this QR-code to get 15% discount on your next purchase. Limited time deal.

Formula

Gaultheria procumbens

Organic Alcohol Based

Formulation

Only natural ingredients Purity is laboratory tested and verified

All the raw materials are gluten-free by their nature No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Not tested on animals

Organic Alcohol Based

Made in USA, Hawaii

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

See for yourself

Wintergreen by Hawaii Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Wintergreen by Hawaii Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Wintergreen Leaf Extract, Dry

Interacts with
37 drugs
983 mg per serving Form: Gaultheria procumbens Leaf Extract, Dry

Wintergreen is a low-growing North American plant whose oil is rich in methyl salicylate, an aspirin-like compound used in topical pain rubs. While it...

Wintergreen Leaf Extract, Dry monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Wintergreen by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Wintergreen?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
37Drugs
2 Major 35 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Wintergreen with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Wintergreen Leaf Extract, Dry2 drug types · 37 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Using wintergreen oil topically might increase the effects and adverse effects of warfarin.
Several case reports show that concomitant use of topical wintergreen oil-containing products and warfarin can increase INR and bleeding risk due to systemic absorption of the methyl salicylate contained in wintergreen oil. Topical analgesic gels, lotions, creams, ointments, liniments, and sprays can contain up to 55% methyl salicylate.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Aspirin

Using wintergreen oil topically in large amounts, with occlusive dressings, or for prolonged periods of time might increase the risk of additive salicylate toxicity when used with aspirin.
Wintergreen oil contains methyl salicylate. Topical analgesic gels, lotions, creams, ointments, liniments, and sprays can contain up to 55% methyl salicylate.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Wintergreen, from the product label.

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
Street Address
510 Sumner St. Ste. 613
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96817
Phone Number
888-854-2924
Web Address
www.hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Wintergreen by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Wintergreen by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Wintergreen has a known interaction with 37 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Wintergreen contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I use this if I'm breastfeeding?
No, wintergreen is rated likely unsafe during breastfeeding, so you should avoid it. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about safer alternatives.
What happens if I swallow wintergreen oil?
Wintergreen oil is extremely toxic if swallowed and can cause salicylate poisoning — symptoms include headache, ringing in the ears, and confusion. Seek medical help right away if this happens.
Can I cover the area with a bandage after applying it?
No — don't use an occlusive (airtight) dressing over wintergreen. Covering it traps the oil and can lead to toxic absorption of methyl salicylate through your skin.
Does wintergreen actually work for back or joint pain?
The evidence we hold isn't strong enough to confirm it works. It's traditionally been used for these problems, but we don't yet have reliable research to back up those claims.
What side effects might I notice?
When taken by mouth, wintergreen leaf is generally well tolerated. Topically, it's usually fine too, but it can cause skin irritation or an allergic rash (contact dermatitis) in some people.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Wintergreen is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Wintergreen label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Wintergreen's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 7 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Wintergreen 7 references
  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Gossel TA, Bricker JD. Principles of Clinical Toxicology. New York, NY:Raven Press, 1994.
  4. Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
  5. Chan TY. Potential dangers from topical preparations containing methyl salicylate. Hum Exp Toxicol 1996;15:747-50.
  6. Joss JD, LeBlond RF. Potentiation of warfarin anticoagulation associated with topical methyl salicylate. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34:729-33. PubMed
  7. Franceschi J, Darrigade AS, Jegou MH, Milpied B. First report of allergic contact dermatitis caused by Gaultheria procumbens (wintergreen) essential oil. Contact Dermatitis 2022;87(2):193-195.

See these in context on the Wintergreen monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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