Pain Relieving Benefits of Wintergreen oil

Wintergreen oil is derived from the foliage of the Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen plant). This species is indigenous to North America, Europe, and Nepal. As an essential oil, wintergreen oil emits a sweet, minty, and invigorating woody scent. The primary active component of wintergreen oil is methyl salicylate, which constitutes 90-98% of the oil. It is particularly recognized for its analgesic and antifungal characteristics.

Before delving into the advantages and applications of Wintergreen Oil, it is crucial to keep the following points in mind -

• DO NOT consume this essential oil.
• High concentrations of topical application of wintergreen oil are discouraged, as salicylates can be absorbed through the skin.
• Always apply diluted wintergreen oil topically. The essential oil should be used at a 1% dilution; for instance, if you use 1ml of wintergreen essential oil, mix it with 99ml of carrier oil for proper dilution.
• Ensure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling wintergreen oil.
• Avoid using it on children under 12 years old or even up to 18 years old.
• DO NOT use this essential oil if you are pregnant, nursing, or attempting to conceive.
• DO NOT apply this oil around or on pets, as it may cause irritation.
• Individuals with chronic kidney or liver issues should refrain from using it.
• Those taking blood thinners like warfarin or who are sensitive to aspirin should avoid wintergreen essential oil.

Applications and Advantages of Wintergreen Oil

Wintergreen Essential Oil is commonly found in various over-the-counter topical pain relief products. The oil should be utilized only for aromatic and/or topical purposes.

• Analgesic
  Methyl salicylate, a significant component of wintergreen oil, is closely related to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). When applied topically to the skin (specifically on the pain site), wintergreen oil exhibits analgesic effects. However, the aspirin-like properties should be considered alongside the potential side effects associated with excessive use.
• Antirheumatic
  Wintergreen oil enhances blood circulation and alleviates tension, making it a suitable option for arthritis-related discomfort. Individuals suffering from arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may find relief through topical applications of Wintergreen Essential Oil when mixed with an appropriate carrier oil.
• Antispasmodic
  Another advantage of Wintergreen Essential Oil is its effectiveness in treating muscle spasms.
• Anti-bacterial
  Wintergreen oil has antibacterial properties and should only be applied topically. It must not be used on open wounds or cuts. It can be safely applied when diluted in a carrier oil.
• Astringent
  Wintergreen can assist in tightening the skin while enhancing its brightness. It is also utilized as an anti-acne ingredient due to its antibacterial properties.

Additional Benefits of Wintergreen Oil

• Refreshing Aroma
  Wintergreen oil has a cool, minty, and invigorating scent, which is often described as relaxing and uplifting. This makes it an excellent choice for use in a diffuser. It can also be employed to freshen the air in your home due to its delightful and sweet fragrance. Be sure to add only a drop to a diffuser, and it should be diffused for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time, with several hours between uses. Avoid continuous diffusion in a closed space.

How to Utilize Wintergreen Oil?

Wintergreen oil is appreciated for its refreshing, cool scent and its methyl salicylate content. It should always be used topically in a diluted form. Even when diluted, it is advisable to use it at irregular intervals.

• Stress Relief
  The soothing and pleasant aroma of wintergreen oil can be uplifting and calming. You can diffuse 2 drops of it in your diffuser for stress-relieving effects. Combine 2 drops of wintergreen essential oil with 1 teaspoon of diffuser oil. Prepare this mixture for your diffuser and diffuse it for only 5 minutes.
• Muscle Pain
  Wintergreen oil can help alleviate muscle tension and enhance blood circulation, making it an effective spot treatment for muscle discomfort. Mix one drop into a 10ml bottle with cold pressed carrier oil such as jojoba oil and apply it to the affected muscle area.
• Headache
  Wintergreen oil serves as a beneficial analgesic for headaches. Create a blend as described in the muscle pain section and apply it to your temples. If headaches persist, please consult a healthcare professional and avoid using wintergreen oil regularly.
• Dandruff
  Wintergreen oil may be helpful for mild dandruff and/or hair loss. It pairs well with ylang-ylang, peppermint, and lavender oils. A mixture of peppermint and wintergreen can aid in combating dandruff and promoting hair growth. Combine one drop of each wintergreen essential oil and peppermint essential oil with 2 teaspoons of cold pressed jojoba oil and apply it to the scalp one hour before washing your hair. Rinse thoroughly with shampoo.
  Always use diluted essential oils topically and never apply them directly. The essential oil must be used at a 1% dilution; for example, if you take 1ml of wintergreen essential oil, mix it with 99ml of carrier oil for proper dilution.
• Joint Pain
  Wintergreen oil acts as a natural pain reliever and can be used at irregular intervals for joint discomfort. Combine one drop of wintergreen oil with two teaspoons of carrier oil and massage it into the affected area.
  While exploring the benefits and applications of wintergreen essential oil, it is crucial to use pure wintergreen essential oil. Methyl salicylate, the primary active ingredient in wintergreen oil, can also be synthetically produced. Often, wintergreen oil can serve as a substitute for synthetic methyl salicylate. Therefore, ensure that you select high-quality, plant-derived wintergreen oil.

Juicy Chemistry Wintergreen & Peppermint Pain Relief Balm

This powerful and organic essential oil blend is expertly crafted in this pain relief balm to assist in alleviating muscle and body discomfort. Wintergreen and Eucalyptus work together to soothe muscle and joint discomfort, while Peppermint and Ginger invigorate the senses and promote relaxation.
The Juicy Chemistry balm -

• Alleviates soreness and cramps.
• Eases muscle and joint pain.
• Enhances blood circulation and reduces inflammation.
• The refreshing menthol scent invigorates the senses.

Common Questions About Wintergreen Oil

• Is Wintergreen anti-inflammatory?
  Yes, wintergreen contains methyl salicylate, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is closely related to aspirin.
• Can you apply Wintergreen essential oil directly to the skin?
  No, wintergreen essential oil should not be applied directly to the skin and must be diluted with a carrier oil. It should always be used externally.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995208/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995208/ https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(10)00017-2/pdf https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/methyl_salicylate https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v6i7/ART20175161.pdf https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/am/pii/S0926669019308830