Parts Used
Leaves
Botanical Name
Gaultheria procumbens
Extraction Method
Steam distillation
Note Classification
Middle
Aroma
Mint like, sweet, sharp, fresh, and clean
Properties
Analgesic, anodyne, antirheumatic, antiarthritic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emenagogue and stimulating substance.
Overview
Wintergreen oil is commonly used as a medical drug to alleviate the symptoms of headaches, rheumatic fever, sore throat and simple fever. It’s main active ingredient is methyl salicyate, the same active ingredient in the household drug, Aspirin. In the American Revolution era, Wintergreen leaves were used as to make tea (as simple tea leaves were scarce at that time), it also was a source to get relief from occasional aches and pains.
Blends Well With
Ylang-Ylang, Peppermint, Oregano, Cajuput, Thyme, Niaoli and Eucalyptus.
Herbal Miscellany
Native Americans used to chew its leaves to avoid tooth decay. Myalgia, neuralgia and sciatica were alleviated by the Europeans by the use of this herb and to also treat respiratory infections. It is still to today used in the manufacturing of toothpastes, soft drinks and chewing gums.
Precautions
Oil Specific: To be avoided by children, pregnant women, pets or people with wounded skin. It is highly toxic in nature and should be used with strong methods of dilution.
General: As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted, in eyes or mucus membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This information was taken from and essentialoilbenefits.org and organicfacts.net
