What’s in a name? As we shiver through a cold snap and see in the beginning of winter, I thought it fitting to do this month’s blog on Essential Therapeutics Wintergreen essential oil. Native to North America, this plant has a rich history of medicinal and therapeutic use, and the essential oil continues to be an important ingredient in a variety of modern formulations.
History of Wintergreen
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) has a long-standing history of traditional use by Native American tribes. The leaves of the wintergreen plant were commonly used as a medicinal herb to alleviate a variety of ailments, including headaches, respiratory conditions, and sore muscles. The leaves were also chewed for their refreshing flavour.
Later ‘discovered’ by European settlers in the early 19th century, wintergreen gained popularity as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, thanks to its active compound, methyl salicylate. It became an integral part of folk medicine, and was widely used in lozenges, teas and liniments to treat rheumatism, arthritis, and digestive issues.
It became widely used as a sweetener to disguise more unpalatable medicines, and is an ingredient in root beer – and Listerine! Wintergreen certainly spans a broad spectrum of uses.
Extraction Method
Steam distillation of the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens began in the early 19th century. The leaves are first macerated in water overnight, which causes methyl salicylate to form. The essential oil contains a high concentration of this compound, which is associated with its therapeutic benefits.
But, the scent...
The unmistakeable scent of wintergreen, reminiscent of pain-relieving, muscle-rub products, is often described as strong, intense and minty. It’s not one of those love-it-or-hate-it kind of oils – I don’t think you’d find many people staunchly in either camp, because its uses are effective enough to overlook any scent-related shortcomings.
Safety
Wintergreen should be used with caution, due to the very thing that makes so useful – methyl salicylate. It should always be diluted, and prolonged use could cause dermatitis, and it should not be used by those on blood thinners, or anyone with a blood disorder. It is not to be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with children (this is an important reminder that essential oils should be used with respect and genuine education – beware of MLM companies extolling the use of essential oils with no consultation or safety warnings. As with anything, improper use can cause more harm than good).
Modern-Day Use
When used correctly and safely, wintergreen essential oil is highly regarded for its analgesic properties. Despite seeming like (and often being marketed as) a heating oil, wintergreen (it's in the name) actually has a cooling action when applied topically, thus its use as an anti-inflammatory. It is commonly used topically to alleviate musculo-skeletal and joint pain, including conditions like arthritis, sciatica and swelling.
Psychological
On the psychological/emotional level, Wintergreen is said to bestow strength, willpower and confidence, and can be useful for anxiety, negativity and emotional burnout.
Holmes says that ‘Wintergreen is for the individual who has not only lost his or her self-confidence and self-assertion, but is suffering from a deeper loss of will, their sense of power and very passion for living… A strong boost to the soul, wintergreen is able to jump-start the wounded individual… it will support anyone intent on making a fresh start, wanting a second chance to live and thrive’.
References
Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 3rd Ed, Vol. 1, (2018). Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd.
Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal: The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs, and Trees with All Their Modern Scientific Uses, Volume 2. (1971). Dover Publications.
Holmes, P. Aromatica, Volume 2. (2019). Singing Dragon.
Lawless, J. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being. (2013). Conari Press.
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. (2013). Churchill Livingstone.