WinterGreen Oil
Wintergreen oil is an essential oil that's traditionally derived from the leaves of the shrubby evergreen plant scientifically known as Gaultheria procumbens, which belongs to the Ericaceae family. It contains an aromatic compound that is methyl salicylate, used for mint-like flavoring. It has a long stem, oval and glossy green leaves and white blooms which change into edible bright red berries. It grows well in organic soils in shady locations like mountains, forests, and moist regions, and it is native to North America, mainly in the Northeast United States and Canada.
Extraction:
Wintergreen essential oil is obtained from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens through the steam distillation method following maceration in warm water.
Composition:
Wintergreen oil is mainly constituted of methyl salicylates and others are alpha pinene, myrcene, delta-3 carene, limonene, 3, 7 guaiadiene and delta cadinene.
Properties:
Wintergreen oil is pinkish yellow or pale yellow in appearance and has a sweet, fresh, and woody odor and a minty flavor.
The active ingredient in wintergreen oil, methyl salicylate, is closely related to aspirin and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- It is widely used in foods, teas, aromatherapy, household, and beauty products.
- Wintergreen oil is used in perfumery and as a flavoring agent, also used in toothpaste, chewing gum, soft drinks, Listerine, and mint flavorings.
- Wintergreen oil is used in aromatherapy as it provides relaxation for muscle and joint discomfort.
- It provides relief in arthritis, cellulite, obesity, hypertension, rheumatism, tendinitis, cramps, inflammation, eczema, hair care, psoriasis, gout, ulcers and broken and bruised bones.
- It improves blood circulation and helps with heart diseases.
- It provide relieve in sore throat, fever and various aches and pains.
- It is used for dental hygiene products such as mouthwash and toothpaste.
- It is used in topical creams and massage blends because of its soothing properties.
- It has antioxidant properties, energizing and immune-enhancing, so that it helps in lowering inflammation and reducing pain.
- It is added to liniments and topical pain relievers.
- It promotes skin as it tones up the skin and prevents acne.
- It encourages hair health, prevents dandruff, and promotes healthy hair roots, which prevent hair fall.
Safety and Precaution:
- Do not ingest methyl salicylate, not even in diluted preparation, as it is extremely toxic; if ingested, it may lead to severe burning and blistering of the skin.
- Do not use during pregnancy, nursing moms & epileptics and keep out of reach from children.
- It may cause certain allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat and also can cause severe pain, burning, and blistering of the skin.
- Taking this oil can cause ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, and confusion.
