The Wintergreen plant is a traditional native North American remedy, used for aches and pains and to help breathing while hunting or carrying heavy loads. It is a small evergreen herb, which grows up to 15cm (6 inches) high, with slender stems, leathery serrated leaves and drooping white flowers, followed by fleshy scarlet berries. Wintergreen smells similar to birch and because birch is so much more available, has often been sold as wintergreen.


It has been used traditionally in liniments and salves for muscle spasm. Wintergreen has stimulant, antiseptic, diuretic properties. Wintergreen has a cooling, moisturizing effect. It can be fatal when ingested, so check thoroughly with the aroma therapists. It acts as carminative, astringent, analgesic, antiseptic, expectorant and diuretic. This oil mixes well with the following oils: Anise, Calamus, Vanilla, Lavender, Rosemary, Sage, Birch, Fir, Mints, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Ylang Ylang and Tuberose. However, this oil should not be taken internally as it can be very fatal.

Uses of Wintergreen Oil

It may be used for boils, swelling, fluid retention, lymphatic congestion.

Makes an excellent gargle for a sore throat, and has been used to treat genital infections (douche or sic bath).

Relieves Rheumatism.