“Of the American species of birch, Betula lenta, variously called, Sweet Birch, Black Birch, Cherry Birch, Wintergreen, and Mountain Mahogany, is remarkable for the aromatic nature of its bark and leaves, which have the odor and taste of Gaultheria procumbens, and are sometimes used in infusion, as an agreeable, gently stimulant, and diaphoretic drink. The oil is distilled from the bark.” - U.S. Pharmocpia 1858