Description
Wintergreen oil is extracted from Gaultheria procumbens of the Ericaceae family and is also known as checkerberry, teaberry and gaultheria.
Oil properties
Wintergreen oil is toxic and when taken internally can be fatal.
Origin of Wintergreen oil
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.
Extraction
The oil is extracted from the leaves, previously macerated in water by steam distillation
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of wintergreen oil are menthyl salicylate and gaultherilene.
Precautions
Wintergreen oil should not be used in aromatherapy and if ingested, even a small amount can be fatal.
Skin & Hair Care ~ lifts ageing skin ~ treatment for acne, wounds, sores, ulcers & insect bites ~ wasps, bees ~ heals infections & removes bacteria ~ helps prevent dandruff & tones the hair roots ~ helps prevent hair falling out
Digestive System ~ beneficial for expelling gases ~ reduces spasms
Immune System ~ recommended for hypertension
Lymphatic System ~ stimulates circulation ~ helps remove toxins ~ aids in weight loss
Musculoskeletal System ~ excellent analgesic (pain relieving properties) ~ anti-inflammatory ~ anti-rheumatic ~ integral role in the management of pain & inflammation ~ recommended for muscular, joint & bone aches, pains ~ rheumatism, arthritis, bone spurs, cartlidge injury, frozen shoulder, cramps, lumbago, sciatica, tendonitis, neuralgia, gout, fibryalgia ~ reduces spasms ~ used to promote healing of broken bones, fractures & combat osteoporosis
** Wintergreen Pure Essential Oil ~ being made up almost exclusively of methyl salicylate ~ a precursor to common aspirin ~ when massaged onto the pain spot is readily absorbed through the skin ~ induces numbness & a sort of anaesthetic effect in the nerves present in that area ~ also increases circulation of blood & brings warmth (this warmth can be experienced) ~ reduces inflammation & will fight & eradicate pain
Nervous System ~ mentally stimulating & increases attentiveness ~ helps relieve stress, tension & nervous afflictions ~ reduces spasms
Reproductive System ~ helps regulate menstrual cycle ~ beneficial for nausea, fatigue & pain
Respiratory System ~ recommended for breathing problems, congestion, coughs, sinus ~ reduces spasms
Urinary System ~ increases frequency & quantity of urination
Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ associates with many of our senses ~ smell, taste, touch & hearing (sound) ~ can increase vibration of the body ~ opens spiritual awareness of self love
Blends Well with ~ Benzoin, Birch, Black Pepper, Cajeput, Camphor, Cananga, Cinnamon, Clove, Copaiba, Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Lemon Scented, Eucalyptus Peppermint, Fir Needle, Ginger, Gingergrass, Kunzea, Lavender, Menthol, Nutmeg, Oregano, Peppermint, Peru Balsam, Ravensara, Rosemary, Spearmint, Thyme, Turmeric, Vanilla, Yarrow, Ylang Ylang
Safety ~ External usage only ~ avoid if pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, taking blood thinning medications & allergic to aspirin ~ Never to be taken internally
