Wintergreen essential oil, Gaultheria procumbens Gaultheria procumbens L.

China

Description

Pungent-smelling Wintergreen, Gaultheria procumbens essential oil is very valuable and quite unique in its composition. Smell is minty, green, somewhat medical, and can be associated with sports ointments or chewing gum, where it is most commonly used. The color of the essential oil ranges from clear to dark red, depending on the species. This essential oil is mainly used in aromatherapy mixtures to massage sore muscles, ligaments and joints. Main constituent of the wintergreen oil is methyl salicylate, which converts to salicylic acid in the body.

Benefits

Excellent aromatherapy quality - tested in the in-house lab, including GC-MS
Phthalate-free, pesticide-free - does not disrupt endocrine system
For/after workout .

Aromatherapists who work with Wintergreen essential oil in their practice point out that no other essential oil has such a strikingly rapid effect on aching, overworked muscles and joints, which is why it is used in a variety of ointments favoured by sports people and the elderly to relieve their joints and muscles and soothe them after a hard day or a heavy workload.

However, when a product is so effective and potent, it often carries with it risks. Looking at the chemical composition of Wintergreen essential oil, esters are the mainstay, with up to 99% of the essential oil being dominated by methylsalicylate. The familiar drug aspirin is acetylsalicylate, and together with methylsalicylate they belong to the salicylic acids. Scientific literature suggests that 1g. of Wintergreen essential oil can be equivalent to 1.4 aspirin tablets.

However, we do not recommend taking it internally, which should be discussed with your doctor. But even the external use of Wintergreen essential oil must be extremely careful and responsible.

This essential oil is very similar in chemical composition to birch (Betula lenta) essential oil, both of which are dominated by methylsalicylate at a very high percentage. Although they are not related plants, their directions of use and safety guidelines are very similar.

Aromatherapists in practice use 1% to 2% ointments on small areas of skin.

Usage

Wintergreen essential oil is recommended:

for massages in oil blends for tired muscles and joints;
in cosmetic products, as it has a positive effect on the skin and can reduce blemishes, cracks and persistent flaking;
for steaming during the cold season, or to brighten the mind, improve the mood and pleasantly relax.

The fragrant lingonberry essential oil is also used in chewing gum, toothpaste, beer, soft drinks and candy.

GCMS analysis

Wintergreen essential oil GCMS

Warnings

do not use on fresh skin as it may cause irritation; dilute with vegetable oil or butter;
protect eyes;
effects on pregnant and lactating women are unknown; essential oils should be avoided for the first 3 months of pregnancy and for infants up to 3 months of age unless necessary.
despite the high phyto-, aromatherapeutic quality of this oil, the aromatherapy community cannot recommend internal use for therapeutic purposes, but such use is possible if prescribed by a phyto/ aromatherapist;
do not use on cats, birds, fish, rodents, reptiles (evaporate in small quantities at home or use on your own); do not use on dogs, horses, muzzle, genitals, vaccinate;
this essential oil is not registered as a medicine;
this essential oil is not registered as a biocide;
keep tightly closed in a dark, cool place.