Wintergreen Essential Oil

Our organically crafted Wintergreen Essential Oil is steam distilled from the deep green, minty leaves of the small, evergreen Gaultheria procumbens shrub growing in the high elevations of the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal. This essential oil is incredibly potent and one of the more effective essential oils at helping to relieve pain and inflammation, although it should be used with caution and for shorter periods of time than many other essential oils. Also commonly known as Tea Berry, Checker Berry, and Box Berry, Wintergreen Essential Oil has a strong sharp, sweet, woody, and slightly minty aroma presenting a top fragrance note.

Native to North America, Wintergreen grows up to 6 inches and has deep-green leathery leaves that sprout small white flowers and develop into red fruit. Traditionally, Wintergreen leaves were chewed by the natives of the Americas in order to increase lung capacity and assist in healing respiratory conditions. Early settlers chewed on Wintergreen to help reduces tooth decay. The dried leaf and stem remain current in the British Herbal Pharmacopeia. The essential oil of Wintergreen has been used interchangeably with Sweet Birch Oil, both being made up almost exclusively of Methyl Salicylate. Methyl Salicylate derived from Wintergreen is commonly added as a flavoring to breath-freshening gum and lozenges, but is also the active ingredient in over-the-counter liniments for acute topical pain management.                                     

PART USED Leaves

COMMON NAMES  Checkerberry, Eastern Teaberry, Boxberry

SYNONYMS  Gaultheria procumbens L.

EXTRACTION METHOD  Steam Distilled Essential Oil

ORIGIN  India

NOTE CLASSIFICATION  Middle Note

REPORTED BENEFITS AND USES

The main chemical component in Wintergreen, Methyl Salicylate, is used in topical creams and massage blends because of its soothing properties. Along with helping to relieve pain and inflammation, Wintergreen Essential Oil is an incredible support when looking to ease unwanted muscle spasms. This essential oil is the ally of professional athletes, active seniors and anyone seeking to support the body after exertion. Gaultheria Essential Oil is also excellent for supporting healthy lung activity, especially if one is congested from a cold or the flu. This essential oil can help reduce unwanted water retention and has astringent properties, as well. As a flavoring, small amounts of Wintergreen Oil is used in candies, toothpaste, and chewing gum.

Wintergreen Essential Oil is both uplifting and stimulating, helping to clear mental confusion and clarify thought processes. Gaultheria Oil oil can boost confidence and help with mental clarity and focus. This oil is warming, and invites positive thinking.

Methyl salicylate, the active ingredient in wintergreen oil, can be toxic, so care should always be taken when using wintergreen oil.

Particular care should be taken around children, who may be attracted to wintergreen oil by its scent. Wintergreen oil should never be used on children and should always be kept in a childproof bottle, out of reach of children.       

Remember that wintergreen oil should always be used externally. It’s a very strong essential oil and can be absorbed through the skin, so it should never be applied undiluted.

Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier substance, which can include oils (such as grapeseed and jojoba) or water. Always be sure to follow appropriate dilution guidelines.

When making a solution with wintergreen oil, it should only make up 2 to 3 percent of the final solution volume, according to the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies.

For example, to make 16 ounces of a 2 percent wintergreen oil solution, you would add 96 drops of wintergreen oil to the 16 ounces of carrier substance.

If you choose to make a solution with wintergreen oil and other essential oils, wintergreen oil may blend well with peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oils.

Due to the potential for toxicity when ingested and limited evidence of its efficacy in