Wintergreen essential oil is extracted from the leaves of a small evergreen herb. The plant has been used for respiratory conditions such as chronic mucous discharge, but is mainly employed for joint and muscular problems such as lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, myalgia, etc. The dried leaf and stem are current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for rheumatoid arthritis.
The essential oil of Wintergreen, being made up almost exclusively of methyl salicylate, is a precursosr to common asprin. This is the reason for the essential oil's mild analgesic effects, along with anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antitussive, astringent, carminative, diruetic, emmenagogue, galactagogue and stimulant properties.
This pale yellow oil with an intense sweet-woody aroma should be diluted significantly before topical application - it would be a fine addition to any formulas for supporting joint and muscular aches and pains.
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Specification of Wintergreen Oil
Product Code
LJP/WGO
Name
Wintergreen Oil
Botanical Name
Gaultheria Procumbens
Obtain
By steam distillation from the leaves.
Appearance
Pale yellow or pinkish yellow in color
It is a traditional native North American remedy, used for aches and pains and to help breathing while hunting or carrying heavy loads.
It is a small evergreen herb which grows up to 15cm (6 in) high, with slender stems, leathery serrated leaves and drooping white flowers, followed by fleshy scarlet berries.
Menthyl salicylate is the principal constituent of this plant and has been incorporated in liniments and ointments for muscular skeletal problems.
Ingesting menthyl salicylate even in small amounts may result in fatal poisoning.As a herb, it must not be given to patients sensitive to aspirin (salicylates) and wintergreen oil is toxic in excess and can cause liver and kidney damage
Wintergreen and Sweet Birch oil, both nearly identical in chemical composition and aroma are both traditional folk remedies. This tradition has led to the discovery of Methyl Salicylate, its main ingredient, as a pain reliever. Methyl Salicylate is now commercially produced and known under the name Aspirin et. al.? However, the use of both Wintergreen and Birch is potentially toxic, and recommended for professional use only. Because of the familiar, candy-like aroma there have been cases of children ingesting this oil. Commonly used in chewing gum, toothpaste, root beer, coca-cola and candy.
Benefits / Uses
Wintergreen oil may help in muscular pains, rheumatic pains, staunch bloody wounds, applied to dog bites, snake bites and insect bites, swellings, ulcers etc.Also used as flavouring agent in soft drinks.
Safety Data
Pure oil of wintergreen can cause irritation and must be used cautiously & in very small amounts. Essential oil is highly toxic; due to methyl salicylate content. Wintergreen oil should never be used during pregnancy.
