Wintergreen

Botanical Name

Gaultheria procumbens

Plant Family

Ericaceae

Country of Origin

USA

Common Method of Extraction

Water or Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Leaves

Color

Clear to pale yellow

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Top / Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma

Strong

Aromatic Description

Sharp, sweet, woody and slightly minty

Possible Substitute Oils

Birch

Blends Well With

birch, cajeput, oregano, peppermint, ravintsara, spearmint, thyme, ylang ylang

GRAS status

YES

Wintergreen Essential Oil Uses

Inflammation, Pain Management, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Antirheumatic, antiarthritic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, relieves bone pain, deodorant, expels excess gas, eases sports injuries, stimulates liver function, eases cough, supports normal menstruation, diuretic, stimulates gallbladder function, increases redness and circulation of a localized area, relaxing, warming, stimulating, promotes mental alertness, promotes a positive self-image and self-acceptance, encourages forgiveness

Source: Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 2003), 324.

Source: Dr. Scott A. Johnson, Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy (CreateSpace, 2015), 263-264

Major Constituents of Wintergreen

• Methyl Salicylate: 96.0-99.5%

Source: Private Communication: Vossen, 2004. E. Guenther, The Essential Oils, Volumes 1-6. Van Nostrand, New York, 1949-1952. Sources cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 469.

Wintergreen Essential Oil Safety Information

Use sparingly if at all. Numerous reports of poisoning have occurred. Tisserand and Young warn that Wintergreen Essential Oil poses a hazard for toxicity, drug interaction, it can inhibit blood clotting, and high doses are teratogenic (harmful to fetuses and embryos). Avoid use of Wintergreen with children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding and by those taking anticoagulant medication. They recommend a dermal maximum of 2.4% and advise to use with caution with skin that is sensitive or damaged. Reading Tisserand and Young’s full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 469.]

Recommended Dilution Range

See the Wintergreen Safety Information

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.