WINTERGREEN ESSENTIAL OIL
Traditionally valued for muscular comfort, joint support, and respiratory wellbeing, Wintergreen is a powerful essential oil best used in very low dilutions.
About This Essential Oil
Wintergreen Essential Oil is well known for its warming and soothing action on muscles and joints. Rich in naturally occurring methyl salicylate, it has traditionally been used to support comfort and mobility where muscular tension, stiffness, and overexertion are present. Due to its potency, Wintergreen should always be used with care and in low dilutions.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens
Family: Ericaceae
Origin: North America
Method of Extraction: Leaves are macerated in warm water then water distilled
Note: Top
Colour: Pale yellow to reddish orange
Aroma: Intensely sweet, aromatic
Key Benefits
• Traditionally supports muscular and joint comfort
• Warming and stimulating when used in massage blends
• Traditionally valued for rheumatic complaints
• Supports respiratory wellbeing during seasonal illness
• Traditionally used to encourage healthy circulation
• Refreshing and cleansing aroma
History
Wintergreen is a small evergreen herb that grows to approximately 15 cm in height, producing leathery leaves, delicate white flowers, and bright scarlet berries. The essential oil has long been associated with traditional remedies for muscular discomfort and respiratory complaints.
Historically, Wintergreen was valued for conditions involving chronic mucus congestion and was particularly respected for supporting comfort where lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, rheumatism, and arthritis were present. Due to its high methyl salicylate content, Wintergreen has also been widely used within pharmaceutical and topical pain-relief preparations.
Main Chemical Components
• Methyl Salicylate
• Gaultherilene
Properties
• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-rheumatic
• Antitussive
• Galactagogue
• Stimulant
• Diuretic
• Antipyretic
Traditional Uses
• Muscular System – Traditionally used for rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, muscular aches, pains, and stiffness.
• Respiratory System – Traditionally valued for coughs and respiratory complaints involving mucus congestion.
• Urinary System – Traditionally used to support healthy urinary flow.
• Circulatory System – Traditionally valued for its stimulating and warming properties.
• Other – Traditionally used in massage blends for muscular recovery and comfort. Contains naturally occurring methyl salicylate and has traditionally been regarded as having a blood-thinning action.
Psychological & Emotional Uses
• Cleansing and clearing
• Refreshing to the mind
• Encourages mental clarity
• Traditionally used to help release mental stagnation
Blends Well With
Eucalyptus, Black Pepper, Rosemary, Marjoram, Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemon.
Health & Safety
• Can be extremely toxic if misused.
• Use only in very low dilutions.
• Traditionally recommended for short-term use only.
• Avoid use for longer than 10 consecutive days without professional guidance.
• Avoid prolonged use exceeding three months.
• Do not use with anticoagulant or blood-thinning medications.
• Avoid during pregnancy.
• For external use only.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store below 25°C away from direct sunlight.
