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Wintergreen – what a refreshing aroma! You will find extracts of Wintergreen in so many products, from chewing gum to
creams to treat sore muscles. Wintergreen is very similar in chemical constituents to Birch. Birch and Wintergreen are interchangeable in action, so can be substituted for each other when making blends. The essential oil of Wintergreen contains methyl salicylate, which is similar to cortisone. This makes it a beneficial oil to use on bone, muscle, and joint discomfort. Traditionally, Wintergreen has had many uses. The leaves of the plant used to be chewed to help increase respiratory capacity when performing challenging cardiovascular activities and to help prevent tooth decay. It was also used as a tea and was a primary ingredient in early ‘root beer’. Unfortunately today, most major root beer producers use a synthetic methyl salicylate as a flavoring agent. So, read those labels carefully if you want to try a naturally flavored root beer! In France, Wintergreen is used to help with rheumatism, muscular pain, arthritis, tendonitis, and inflammation. Wintergreen also may be helpful to the urinary tract and its related organs. It has a reputation for helping to ease bone pain. Suggested Applications: I use Wintergreen extensively in my massage practice. Whenever I am working with someone with deep tissue issues, joint soreness, and very sore muscles, I choose Wintergreen. It blends well with Marjoram, Lemongrass, and Idaho balsam fir, my other favorite oils for these issues. A bonus, when using Wintergreen, is that its aroma is so refreshing – makes breathing easier for my clients and me. Wintergreen has a reputation for helping the body deal with kidney stones, ulcers, bladder infections, lymph system drainage and cleansing, gallstones, and skin issues. Aromatically, Wintergreen can elevate and open the mind, increasing our ability process sensory stimulation. When my draft horse, Juliet, stepped on my foot (after a rather spectacular fall where I was unable to move fast enough to get out of the way of her rather large hoof, I am sorry to say), I was afraid to take my boot off. I was sure that my foot was totally crushed. Fortunately, it wasn’t. It was just VERY bruised, with lots of torn tendons and a hairline fracture on two bones. I covered my foot with Wintergreen (in addition to resting, icing, compressing, and elevating it – you know – the RICE protocol). It had a cooling effect I hadn’t expected. Once the swelling began to recede, I added Marjoram and Lemongrass to my routine, as I believe that they are good essential oils for helping connective tissue to heal. I was very happy with the pain relief and the healing that I got from Wintergreen. Wintergreen should be avoided during pregnancy and if prone to epileptic seizures. For more information email Nancy Cebula or call her at 303.499.1607. See Book and Video Reference List for information sources. This information is from Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley (Abundant Health, 1-888-718-3068) and Essential Oils Desk Reference (compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 1-800-336-6308). This information is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
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