Wintergreen oil is a pale yellow or pinkish fluid liquid. The oil is strongly aromatic with a sweet woody odor. Since ancient ages, its medicinal uses are known. It has been used traditionally in liniments and salves for muscle spasm. It is also said that when used aromatherapeutically, this oil helps to uplift mood. The oil of Wintergreen is usually obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of the plant following maceration in warm water.
Wintergreen Plant
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.
Properties of Wintergreen Oil
Wintergreen has stimulant, antiseptic, and diuretic properties. Wintergreen has a cooling, moisturizing effect. It acts as carminative, astringent, analgesic, antiseptic, expectorant and diuretic.
Blending of Wintergreen Oil
This oil mixes well with the following oils: Anise, Calamus, Vanilla, Lavender, Rosemary, Sage, Birch, Fir, Mints, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Ylang Ylang and Tuberose.
Health Benefits of Wintergreen Oil
•It may be used for boils, swelling, fluid retention, and lymphatic congestion.
•Makes an excellent gargle for a sore throat, and has been used to treat genital infections (douche or sic bath).
•Relieves rheumatism.
•It is used as a remedy for muscle and joint discomfort, arthritis, cellulite, obesity, edema, and poor circulation.
•It is also useful in headache, heart disease, hypertension, cramps, inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, gout, and ulcers.
•It promotes hair growth.
Other Uses of Wintergreen Oil
•It is used in perfumery applications.
•It is used as a flavoring agent for toothpaste, chewing gum and confectionery, in Listerine, and in mint flavorings.
Caution about Wintergreen Oil
•One must not use the pure (concentrated) essential oil, as it can be very toxic.
•It can be fatal when ingested, so check thoroughly with the aroma therapists.
•This oil should not be taken internally as it can be very fatal.
