Wintergreen Essential Oil Datasheet
Wintergreen essential oil has a sharp refreshing minty aroma and is a key ingredient in Root Beer soda. This potent essential oil only requires a few drops to provide instant relief to sore achy muscles and joints.
PLANT PART
Leaves
AROMA
Sharp, Minty, Refreshing
NOTE
Top/Middle
Essential Oil Datasheets
Essential Oil Datasheet | Wintergreen
Wintergreen – Gaultheria fragrantissima, G. procumbens
Wintergreen essential oil – Gaultheria fragrantissima or G. procumbens has a sharp refreshing minty aroma and is a key ingredient in Root Beer soda. Native to North America, Wintergreen was used as a flavoring agent by European settlers and Native Americans for birch bark mountain tea. The etymology of the word Wintergreen comes from the mid-16th-century Dutch word wintergroen, and the German Word Wintergrun because it remains green in winter. It is also known as teaberry and checkerberry. It has short branches that are erect with shiny tooth-edged leaves.
Country of Origin:
Native to Europe and North America
Extraction Method:
Steam Distillation
Botanical Family:
Ericaceae (Heather)
Chemical Families:
Methyl Salicylate, Phenolic Esters, Carboxylic Acids, Salicylic Acid
Precautions
- Avoid during pregnancy.
- Avoid use during pregnancy or lactation. May cause congenital abnormalities and fetal malformations.
- Avoid use with children under the age of 12.
- Use orally with caution. Known to cause toxicity after 2.5mL has been consumed. More than 4mL may be fatal in children. As little as 5mL in adults could result in menthyl salicylate poisoning in adults and more than 5mL can be fatal.
- Not for people with epilepsy.
- Some people are very allergic to Methyl Salicylate.
- Test a small area of skin first for allergies.
- Oral use of methyl salicylate-rich should be avoided in GERD, and salicylates are contraindicated in children due to the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome. (Essential Oil Safety – Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young).
Therapeutic Properties
Wintergreen has a strong, penetrating odor. It was used by the American Indians and English settlers as a flavoring for tea. Medicinal uses include rheumatism, muscle aches and pain, cramps, arthritis, tendonitis, hypertension, and inflammation.
| Antiseptic | Diuretic | Stimulant |
| Emmenagogue | Anti-Rheumatic | Analgesic |
| Anti-Inflammatory | Anti-Arthritic | Anti-Spasmodic |
| Astringent | Deodorant | Disinfectant |
| Stimulant (Bone) | Warming |
Body Systems Applications
Circulatory System
Circulatory System
Helps lower blood pressure and poor circulation with its high content of methyl salicylate.
Digestive System
Digestive System
Helps with gallstones, gout.
Endocrine System
Endocrine System
Immune System
Immune System
Integumentary System
Integumentary System
Beneficial for acne. eczema, ulcers, and other skin diseases.
Limbic System
Limbic System
Lymphatic System
Lymphatic System
Reduces fever, drains and cleanses the lymphatic system, obesity, edema.
Muscular System
Muscular System
Relieves muscle aches and pain.
Nervous System
Nervous System
Reproductive System
Reproductive System
Respiratory System
Respiratory System
Skeletal System
Skeletal System
Reduces discomfort in joints, osteoporosis alleviates bone pain with cortisone-like action, rheumatism, arthritis, tendonitis, and bone spurs.
Urinary System
Urinary System
Helps with kidney stones, urinary tract infection, cystitis, bladder infection, gout
Safety
Due to the presence of methyl salicylate, wintergreen essential oil should not be used with individuals on anticoagulant medication or if a person is about to undergo major surgery. Topically applied methyl salicylate can potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, causing side effects such as internal hemorrhage. Individuals with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, should not use wintergreen essential oil. Wintergreen essential oil is best used on adults and externally only.
It is not recommended to use wintergreen essential oil on children under the age of 12-14. At age 12-14, it may be considered as a remedy for pain from muscular tension or spasm. Wintergreen should NOT be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Methyl salicylate penetrates quickly through the skin. Individuals with salicylate sensitivity (often applied in ADD/ADHD) should avoid the use of wintergreen essential oil.
References:
1. Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy, Dr. Scott A. Johnson, 2015, Scott A. Johnson Professional Writing Services, LLC
2. Modern Essentials, A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, seventh edition 2015, Aroma Tools
3. The Essential Life, A Simple Guide To Living The Wellness LifeStyle, 2015, Total Wellness Publishing, LLC
4. NAHA https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety/general-safety-guidelines
5. Essential oil safety, Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, second edition 2014, Elsevier books