WINTERGREEN: gaultheria procumbens

Botanical Family: Ericaceae (heather)

Extraction Method: Steam distillation from leaves

Common Primary Topical Uses: 

• Arthritic Pain 
• Bone Pain
• Bone Spurs
• Cartilage Injury
• Dandruff
• Frozen Shoulder
• Joint Pain
• Muscle Development
• Muscle Tone
• Pain
• Rotator Cuff (Sore)

Common Application Methods:

Properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, disinfectant, diuretic, stimulant (bone), and warming.

Historical Uses: Wintergreen oil has a strong, penetrating aroma. The American Indians and early European settlers enjoyed a tea that was flavored with birch bark or wintergreen. According to Julia Lawless, “this has been translated into a preference for ‘root beer’ flavourings [sic].” A synthetic methyl salicylate is now widely used as a flavoring agent, especially in root beer, chewing gum, toothpaste, etc. In fact, the true essential oil is produced in such small quantities (compared to the very extensive uses of the synthetic methyl salicylate) that those desiring to use wintergreen essential oil for therapeutic uses should verify the source of their oil to make sure they have a true oil, not a synthetic one.

French Medicinal Uses:Rheumatism, muscular pain, cramps, arthritis, tendonitis, hypertension, inflammation.

Other Possible Uses: This oil may be beneficial for acne, bladder infection, cystitis, dropsy, eczema, edema, reducing fever, gallstones, gout, infection, reducing discomfort in joints, kidney stones, draining and cleansing the lymphatic system, obesity, osteoporosis, skin diseases, ulcers, and urinary tract disorders. It is known for its ability to alleviate bone pain. It has a cortisone-like action due to the high content of methyl salicylate.

Body System(s) Affected: Muscles and Bones.

Aromatic Influence: It influences, elevates, opens, and increases awareness in sensory system.

Safety Data: Avoid during pregnancy. Not for use by people with epilepsy. Some people are very allergic to methyl salicylate. Test a small area of skin first for allergies.

Blend Classification: Personifier and Enhancer.

Blends With: basil, bergamot, cypress, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, marjoram, and peppermint.