by Meenakshi Nagdeve But in case of pain caused by a chronic condition, the pain eventually returns. Wintergreen is an herb and its oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD007403.pub3 The authors indicated that larger, better quality trials need to be performed to assess efficacy. Keep this mixture in an amber tinted glass bottle. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, research suggests that, when compared to other essential oils, it may be more effective as an insecticide or fumigant than as a repellent.Zhang Q, et al. Native to North America, especially cooler parts of the Northeast United States and Canada, wintergreen trees that produce bright red berries can be found growing freely throughout forests. Parsley Essential Oil – OilHealthBenefits.com, Grapefruit Essential Oil – OilHealthBenefits.com. Parts of the plant are eaten by pheasants, red foxes, brown bears and white-tailed deer. Selective essential oils from spice or culinary herbs have high activity against stationary phase and biofilm Borrelia burgdorferi. It also has anti-nausea benefits and soothing effects on the gastric lining and colon because of its ability to reduce muscle spasms, making it a natural remedy for nausea. There is also the risk of acne getting transformed into thick scars which are even more difficult to treat once the acne naturally diminishes. It has a sharp minty and woody aroma with hints of pine. (2014). Botma M. et al, Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. Few drops of this mixture should be poured onto a cotton cloth and applied directly onto the painful joint. DOI:10.1093/jee/tow232. The Wintergreen oil will help to soothe the body, and its aroma will have a positive and uplifting effect on the mind. Consult a medical practitioner for health problems. Active chemicals from wintergreen and peppermint enter our blood through their skin. Wintergreen essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils. The minty Wintergreen oil is extracted from the leaves of a creeping shrub and contains a unique chemical component called methyl salicylate. What is even more noteworthy is that while wintergreen oil is toxic due to its aspirin like effects, peppermint oil’s usage on the scalp leads to zero toxicity. Moderate levels of flavonoid antioxidants were also found. The hair roots are also contracted and strengthened by this astringent effect. When rubbed on the affected area, this oil is readily absorbed through the skin and the presence of methyl salicylate induces numbness and an anesthetic effect on the nerves there. Essential oil of wintergreen contains concentrated active volatile constituents. It does shrink pores though, which might lead to a stronger hold of the pores on hair follicles. It is also a powerful astringent and finds use as a topical agent to treat acne. Over the years, wintergreen oil has been used for a variety of health-related purposes, including for aches and pains, inflammation, and tooth decay. This is of great help as it speeds up the removal of toxins like uric acid and protects from diseases like rheumatism, arthritis, and others which are caused due to the accumulation of toxins. Always test for skin sensitivity prior to widespread use and use on the feet when possible. Main Chemical Component: Methyl salicylate. Wintergreen essential oil is used to support the muscular and skeletal systems, with plenty of possibilities listed below. Read more! Due to the potential for toxicity when ingested and limited evidence of its efficacy in aromatherapy, wintergreen oil isn’t recommended for use in aromatherapy, such as in a room diffuser. It’s also helpful for clearing up acne since it can be used to kill germs on the skin. Our articles are evidence-based and contain scientific references, fact-checked by experts. Products Wintergreen Essential Oil. Origin: a Latin derivative meaning "Gift of the Earth.". Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. This property means that an agent can eliminate pain and induce relaxation. Other studies on Neisseria gonorrhoeae and a Streptococcus species observed no antibacterial activity for wintergreen oil.Cybulska P, et al. Here's what the science says about which candles are healthiest. Wintergreen oil is a beneficial essential oil that’s extracted from the leaves of the Gaultheria procumbens evergreen plant. Ji Young Oh et al, Toxicological Research. A 2014 report published by researchers from the University of Toulouse in France found that Gaultheria procumbent extract’s main ingredient methylsalicylate (MeSA) can be metabolized in plant tissues to form salicylic acid, a phytohormone that helps induce plant immunity against microbial pathogens. (2003). We are using 10 drops of wintergreen oil in 100 ml of oil, which comes out to be about 0.5% volume by volume (v/v). This speeds up the removal of toxins like uric acid from the body through urination. To unwind and relieve muscle tension, applying pure wintergreen oil mixed along with lavender oil to either a warm bath or ice bath serves as a great muscle relaxer. For your security you will be logged out of your account as you enroll this new member. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. This means that there could be possible harmful effects of methyl salicylate (and therefore, of wintergreen oil) on the functioning of kidneys. It can assist us in letting go, surrendering control, and trusting the process of life. Wintergreen oil primarily contains the active ingredient methyl salicylate, which makes up about 85 percent to 99 percent of wintergreen essential oil. Wintergreen leaves contain an aspirin-like chemical that can help reduce pain, congestion, swelling and fever associated with common illnesses. Next time you go to the gym, place a few drops of Wintergreen oil on a cotton ball and place it in your gym bag. Try testing one to two drops on an area of your skin that isn’t sensitive, such as your feet or calves. Please don't use any information we share without the support of your doctor. Because methyl salicylate can be harmful when used on open wounds, internally, on babies or children, and on anyone with allergies, use caution and start slowly. Methyl salicylate is part of the esters functional group. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. It also increases the circulation of the blood and brings warmth to the area. The antibacterial effect was diminished or absent at lower concentrations, however. We shall see some more of the verified medicinal effects of wintergreen essential oil and what sort of safeties to bear in mind while using it. Fun Fact. Curcumin can also limit weight gain. Plus it smells divine (which is a good reason it usually comes with a safety cap and should be kept away from little kids who might mistake it for candy). These specific harvesting and testing methods make sure that the doTERRA oils that you receive are pure, potent, and highly effective for your needs. Possible skin sensitivity. This recall involves Crafty Bubbles Wintergreen Essential oil in amber 15 mL and 100 mL bottles with a black continuous thread cap. Other volatile compounds, even in minor amounts, bring their aromas and therapeutic effects to the table. In order to produce the purest essential oils, doTERRA puts each of their oils through the CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® protocol. Fluorescence measurement of infected tissues revealed that treatments led to a strong reduction (60 percent) of pathogen development and that the efficacy of the G. procumbens essential oil was even similar to the commercially sold product BION(®). Copyright © 2010-2020, Sustainable Baby Steps. It has potential to cause skin irritation. Laryngeal oedema caused by accidental ingestion of Oil of Wintergreen. Many of the stated benefits or uses of wintergreen oil are derived from anecdotal evidence, meaning they’re heavily based off personal testimony.