Wintergreen Essential Oil, sometimes called Gaultheria Oil, is derived from the leaves of the Wintergreen herb, also known as Teaberry, Partridge Berry, and Checkerberry.
Wintergreen is an herb. Wintergreen oil is made by the steam processing of warmed, water-soaked Wintergreen leaves. The leaves and oil are used to make medicine.
The chemical name of Aspirin is acetyl salicylic acid and it is a synthetic derivative of salicylic acid. Wintergreen essential oil is 96-99% methyl salicylate, an ester that can be toxic when not used with great care. Salicylates are known to be pain relievers and blood thinners. Though both Aspirin and Wintergreen come from salicylates, Wintergreen is much stronger.
Wintergreen Essential Oil is praised for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation.
However, it must be used sparingly and with great caution as numerous reports of poisoning have occurred.
HISTORY AND BENEFITS OF WINTERGREEN
The wintergreen plant has been used as a healing medicine in North America for thousands of years. Native Americans used the juice of wintergreen leaves to treat painful conditions like rheumatism, arthritis, and ulcers; they also chewed the leaves on long-distance runs to increase their endurance and breathing capacity. When European settlers arrived in North America, they absorbed some of this indigenous medicinal knowledge. Wintergreen leaves quickly became popular in the colonies as a stimulant and a prophylactic against toothache.
During the Revolutionary War when black tea was too expensive, American soldiers maintained their energy for marching by drinking a tea made of wintergreen berries instead.
The smell of wintergreen oil is thought to enhance all the senses, but especially hearing.
For enhanced effectiveness, Wintergreen may be blended with the essential oils of Bergamot, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint.
Aromatherapy:
Wintergreen Essential Oil is known to emit a sweet, minty, and somewhat warming woody aroma. It deodorizes indoor environments and helps improve negative moods, feelings of stress, mental pressure, and concentration for a greater sense of emotional balance.
Wintergreen Essential Oil is often used in aromatherapy to help address headaches, hypertension, and even obesity, as its appetite- suppressing property is reputed to help manage cravings.
The smell of Wintergreen Essential Oil may also help people who are very left-brained and analytical get in touch with their right-brained, creative side.
When using Wintergreen Essential Oil in aromatherapy applications, it is advised that it be used infrequently and well-diluted. Due to its potency, it should be diffused for a maximum of 10 minutes per each use and the uses should be spread several hours apart. It is safest in sparse amounts, 2-4 drops being the recommended number of drops to add to a diffuser
Cosmetically:
Wintergreen Essential Oil is reputed to improve the complexion’s clarity, soothe dryness and irritation, rejuvenate the skin, eliminate odor-causing bacteria, and prevent hair loss.
Medicinally:
Wintergreen Essential Oil is reputed to increase circulation, enhance metabolic function and digestion, promote the body’s detoxification, calm inflammation, ease pain, and soothe symptoms of psoriasis, colds, infections, as well as the flu.
Hair
Make your own hair rinse by mixing water, apple cider vinegar and 5 to 10 drops of Wintergreen oil in a spray bottle. This natural treatment will leave your scalp feeling squeaky clean and your hair soft and shiny.
Uses:
Soothe sore, achy muscles with a homemade massage oil. Dillute 20 – 30 drops of wintergreen oil in 100ml of carrier oil (like organic coconut or jojoba) and rub the pain away.
Feeling sleepy and unfocussed at work? Instead of going for that fourth cup of coffee, keep a little jar of wintergreen oil at your desk for an awakening whiff.
For an air freshener enriched with the fresh scent of Wintergreen Oil, add 2-4 drops in a spray bottle filled with water, then cap the bottle and shake it well to thoroughly dilute the oil.
Soak in a Wintergreen oil bath for up to 15 minutes. Simply add 1–2 drops of Wintergreen oil to warm bath water and enjoy the soothing sensations of Wintergreen essential oil. The Wintergreen oil will help to soothe the body, and its aroma will have a positive and uplifting effect on the mind.
Wintergreen oil is one of the absolute best natural pain killers. If you suffer from joint pain, mix one part wintergreen oil with four parts carrier oil and massage into the affected area.
Wintergreen oil has powerful antibacterial properties and it smells great in your home. Save money on store-bought cleaners by running a few drops of wintergreen oil through your dishwasher and laundry machine. You can also scrub a little into your shower and toilet bowl.
Relieve nasal and respiratory congestion with an all-natural DIY vapor rub. Combine a couple drops of wintergreen oil to a dab of coconut oil and inhale deeply while applying the rub to your chest, neck and upper back.
Possible drug interactions. Can inhibit blood clotting. Those who take aspirin or other blood-thinning medications should avoid using Wintergreen. Should not be used at all during or shortly after a viral fever. We recommend a maximum dilution of 2.4% for topical applications. Completely avoid Wintergreen oil up to age 12. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Take your favorite #23 botanicals with you everywhere you travel. Our personal pendant or car diffusers are perfect for enjoying anytime, anywhere. If there's an essential oil lover in your family this will be one of the most well received gifts you can purchase. Buy one for yourself and for a loved one.
For additional advice on how to use or blend oils please contact MrsNurse at contact@mrandmrsnurse.com
Cautions:
For external use only: MrandMrsNurse always suggest consulting with a medical practitioner before using essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use essential oils without the medical advice of a physician. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.
Essential Oils should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children.
Comments