Wintergreen Essential Oil

Gaultheria Procumbens

Wintergreen essential oil is extracted from the small leaves of the evergreen herb using a process called "steam distillation".

It has a fresh minty scent that you may recognize from various products such as toothpaste, mouthwash and chewing gum.

Historically, American Indians and settlers were known to use it in a tea which excites the senses and assists in various healthy ways which we will discuss further.

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What is Wintergreen Essential Oil?

Let's start with some basic information; a brief description of where the oil comes from, what it contains and how it is obtained. The following information is provided by Bill Fifield in his book "Integrated Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy".

This is a book that I highly recommend by the way.

About Wintergreen Essential Oil

Family:  Ericaceae
Origins:  North America, China
Other Names:  Aromatic wintergreen, checkerberry, teaberry, gaultheria (oil)
Description:  Small evergreen herb with scarlet berries.
Extraction:  Essential oil by steam distillation
Botanical Part Used:  leaves

Principal Constituents:  Almost exclusively methyl salicylate (98%). Similar to birch.

Integrated Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
by Bill Fifield  (forward by Dr. Daniel Penoel)

This aromatic oil comes from a small evergreen herb with scarlet berries. It is mainly grown in China and North America.

The method used for extraction is steam distillation.

It has a strong minty aroma that reminds me of candy canes at Christmas but unfortunately you can't drink it.

Methods of Application

Caution:

  • Not for Internal use
  • Possible skin sensitivity
  • Consult your physician before using if pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition
  • Avoid your eyes, mucous membranes and sensitive skin
  • Do not use on infants and young children
  • Keep out of the reach of children
  • Do not use if you are epileptic
  • When applied Topically it may increase blood-thinning effects
  • Aromatically - Can be inhaled or diffused into the air
  • Topical - Can be applied to the skin (may require dilution with a carrier oil)
  • Dilute - Requires dilution with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil
  • Sensitive Skin - Should be used with caution on delicate skin; a carrier oil may be useful

Lately, science in its never ending quest to reproduce nature, have been able to synthesize the prime ingredient, methyl salicylate, in the lab using toxic ingredients and processes.

These toxic ingredients are no longer part of the product and do not appear on the label but their essence remains in the finished synthetic product.

Given the choice why would you not buy natures solution?

If you Google "Bengay active ingredient" you will find it contains 15% Methyl Salicylate compared to wintergreen oil which contains 85-99% Methyl Salicylate

Suggested Uses

Circulation

  • High blood pressure - Applied 50:50 over your chest
  • Liver Stimulant - for energy and good health by rubbing a 50:50 blend with fractionated coconut over your abdomen

Other Oils for Circulation   Main Page for Blood Circulation

Cough

Relief of a cough - Dilute and apply to your trachea, place a cool damp cloth over it, then a dry cloth followed by an ice pack.

Other Oils for Cough

Emotional Balance

When inhaled, Wintergreen is known to stimulate your senses and increase your mental processes.

Diffuse 20 drops of Wintergreen Essential Oil to freshen the air and stimulate your mind and body.

Other Oils for Emotional Balance

Hair Care

A drop of Wintergreen Oil in a single application of shampoo will decrease or eliminate your dandruff problem.

Other Oils for Hair   Main Page Natural Hair Care

Inflammation

Topical application is very popular for a number of ailments/conditions and it is used often for both hot and cold therapies.

Other Oils for Inflammation   Main Page Chronic Inflammation

Pain Management

Wintergreen essential oil is an analgesic and can be used for:

  • swollen joints, 
  • sore muscles,
  • tendonitis,
  • inflammation,
  • rheumatism and
  • cramps

Use as a massage oil - diluted 20:80 with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil

As an anti inflammatory - diluted 50:50 with a carrier oil and rub into the area or into reflex points on your feet

Relief of arthritis, rheumatism and tendonitis - rub 2 drops combined with 5-10 drops carrier oil into your joints and bones to reduce pain and swelling.

For cramps - diluted 50:50 and applied over the affected area

Skin Treatment

Caution should be taken as wintergreen oil is very potent and should be used carefully especially on sensitive skin. A good quality carrier oil can be used if needed.

  • Acne - Add 1 drop of oil to a mild facial cleanser
  • Dandruff - Add one drop to a handful of your favorite shampoo

Other Oils for Your Skin   Main Page - Skin Treatment

Combine with Other Oils

Wintergreen essential oil blends well with:

Have You Tried Wintergreen Essential Oil?

Has it helped you? Tell us how!

*** Please Share Your Comments Below! ***

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Where Can I Get These Oils?

I don't sell oils but here are my
recommended sources.

The companies I use and recommend guarantee the quality of their oils and I believe you will be satisfied with all your purchases, I am.

If you have any questions/concerns feel free to contact me.

Return to Essential Oil Remedies Home Page

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