Wintergreen ethereal oil

Botanical name: Gaultheria Procumbens

• Toxic, irritant and sensitizing. Dilute at 1-2% before use.
• This is an environmental hazard and marine pollutant, please do not dispose directly down the drain or soil, or into the waters.
• Do not ingest.
• Do not use with individuals who are on anti-coagulants or are about to have major surgery.
• Do not use with individuals who have a bleeding disorder or who have a salicylate sensitivity.
• Do not use on children under age of 12. Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• Individuals with salicylate sensitivity (often applied in ADD/ADHD) should avoid the use of wintergreen essential oil.

Wintergreen contains up to 98% of methyl salicylate, which is similar to salicylic acid in aspirin. That’s the reason why it is highly toxic and is a dermal irritant. Wintergreen oil is often fully falsified with it’s synthetic chemical counterpart, methyl salicylate. Wintergreen leaves yield approximately 0.5% essential oil. It is used in pharmaceutical products, perfumery applications (for foresty-type of fragrances), toothpaste, chewing gum, root beer, Coca-Cola and other soft drinks.

Because of its high levels of natural occurring methyl salicylate, wintergreen essential oil is a powerful analgesic (relieves pain), highly anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation) and anti-spasmodic (relieves spasms). Wintergreen has been used for respiratory conditions, but is mainly employed for joint and muscular problems such as lumbago, sciatica, myalgia etc. It is very effective for rheumatoid arthritis. Wintergreen is used in safe amounts in both our herbal remedies for ARTHRITIS and MUSCLE CARE.

If a child under 12 is suffering from acute pain, there are other essential oils that could easily replace wintergreen, such as peppermint, rosemary, and/or lavender.

Herbal Folk Tradition
Wintergreen is native to North America. Native American Indians used the plant for aches, pains, headaches, colds, and stomach aches, and chewed the leaves to improve breathing. A poultice made from the leaves was applied to aching, sore muscles and joints and nerve pain in the legs. The early Americans chewed the roots to prevent tooth decay and used the berries as a tonic.