Wintergreen essential oil is derived from the leaves of the Gaultheria procumbens plant, also known as eastern teaberry, checkerberry, and boxberry. In this article, we are about to discuss wintergreen essential oil benefits and uses.
The natural plant goes through a fermentation method during the manufacturing process. To get a pure product, distillation is used after that. The main component of wintergreen oil, methyl salicylate, makes up almost the entire finished product.
Benefits of Wintergreen Essential Oil
According to research, wintergreen essential oil has many benefits and can function naturally as an analgesic (pain reliever), antiarthritic and antimicrobial.
1. Relieves Muscle Pain
An application of a skin patch containing methyl salicylate and menthol offered much more pain alleviation than the placebo patch in a 2010 study to relieve muscle strain. In this study, adult patients with mild to moderate muscle strain were compared to the safety and efficacy of a patch containing 10% methyl salicylate and 3% l-menthol and a placebo patch. Compared to individuals who received a placebo patch, a single 8-hour application of a patch combining methyl salicylate and l-menthol significantly reduced pain related to mild to moderate muscle strain in these adult patients.
2. Acts as an Analgesic
The presence of methyl salicylate in this oil causes numbness. Also, it has an anaesthetic effect on the nerves in the affected area when applied topically. Additionally, it warms the area and improves blood circulation. Wintergreen oil is usually combined with peppermint oil for better pain relief.
3. Relieves Arthritis
These qualities of wintergreen essential oil are a result of its energising properties. This oil combats arthritis and rheumatism in two ways.
First, when administered topically, it quickly enters the skin around the muscles and tissues, stimulating the flow of blood. Apart from warming up the affected area, this action also helps to eliminate blood flow obstructions, which are one of the main causes of rheumatism and arthritis. Also, it prevents pollutants like uric acid from building up there. Second, despite being absorbed through the skin, it eventually enters the bloodstream and acts as a diuretic. This accelerates the body’s natural process of eliminating toxins like uric acid through urination. This could also lead to weight loss which decreases the impact of rheumatic illnesses by removing extra salt, water, and lipids.
4. Antimicrobial & insecticidal Activity
Methyl salicylate, the primary component of Gaultheria procumbent extract, can be converted into salicylic acid. This is a phytohormone that aids in triggering plant protection mechanisms against microbial infections in plant tissues. Wintergreen essential oil has antibacterial activity against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. It has also insecticidal activity against Paederus fuscipes which causes dermatitis in humans.
Findings from another study demonstrated wintergreen oil administration significantly reduced inflammation and fungal infection in plants.
You can use wintergreen on your body or around your house to safely remove harmful toxins and infections in plants. This is because it inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
To eliminate mould and germs that may linger, run some diluted wintergreen essential oil through your washing machine or dishwasher. You can also scrub some into the toilet bowls and showers as well.
Side Effects
Wintergreen oil’s main ingredient, methyl salicylate, can be harmful, thus you should always use it with caution.
You should also observe children when using wintergreen oil since it has an alluring aroma. Never apply wintergreen oil to young children, and keep it out of their reach at all times in a childproof container.
If ingested, wintergreen can be extremely detrimental and even lethal. In fact, 90 baby aspirin tablets are nearly equal to one teaspoon of methyl salicylate.
When you use methyl salicylate topically, side effects are also possible because it is absorbed via the skin. You should not apply any essential oil topically without first diluting it in a carrier oil.
In a case study in 2002, a man who got a topical methyl salicylate therapy for psoriasis had acute toxicity.
Uses of Wintergreen Essential Oil
- Skincare: Wintergreen oil may help improve skin health and reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars. dilution. Start with a small amount, one to two drops, and combine it with coconut, olive, almond, or jojoba oil before massaging the skin and muscles.
- Aromatically: To disperse the fresh scent and antibacterial qualities of wintergreen throughout your home, use a diffuser. You can also inhale wintergreen oil straight from the bottle.
- Internally: Although you can eat the leaves of wintergreen plants, specialists do not advise to take concentrated wintergreen essential oil internally because it may be hazardous. Several authorities are concerned about potential interactions of taking wintergreen, especially in pregnant women or anybody with cardiac or digestive disorders, because of the high quantities of extremely potent methyl salicylate.
Final Thoughts
Wintergreen naturally combats pain and infection because of the high concentrations of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances.
While using this oil topically or in aromatherapy in modest doses is generally harmless, using too much or ingesting it may raise safety issues. Use only one to two drops at a time, diluted with a carrier oil, and avoid taking it internally (unless working with a doctor). It is important to note that wintergreen oil is highly potent and you should use it with caution. Additionally, it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals with aspirin sensitivity or liver diseases.
To learn more about wintergreen essential oil you can check this article and Healthline. You can also check Aromavibes for a wide range of essential oils collection!