Methyl salicylate Methyl salicylate can be produced by esterifying salicylic acid with methanol. Commercial methyl salicylate is now synthesized, but in the past, it was commonly distilled from the twigs of sweet birch and eastern teaberry. Methyl salicylate can be used as a rubefacient in deep heating liniments, which is an active ingredient in ben gay muscle rub and similar products for relief of minor aches and pains associated with backaches, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains. Methyl salicylate can be used to provide fragrance to various products, e.G. It's used in some kinds of chewing gum and candy, as an alternative to the more common peppermint and spearmint oils. It's also used as an odor masking agent for some organophosphate pesticides.