Wintergreen Essential Oil

Product Details Wintergreen Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Blends Scientific Name: Gaultheria Procumbens L Origin: China Plant Part: Leaves Scent: Minty, cooling, fresh, mountain airy Color: Clear Consistency: Thin Perfumery Note: Middle to top Initial Aroma Strength: Strong and pervasive Extraction Method: Steam Distilled Suitable Blending Oils: Breaking Down the Wintergreen Essential Oil’s Chemical Components Alpha-pinene: 0.23% Beta-pinene: 0.02% 1,8-Cineole (aka Eucalyptol): 0.06% Linalool: 0.07% Methyl salicylate: 98.74% Ethyl salicylate: 0.04% I mean, come on! If that wasn’t a set of chemicals to geek out on, I don’t know what is! Nearly entirely made up of methyl salicylate, and all the other components are pain-killing and anti-inflammatory. Pretty exciting stuff. Historical Uses of Wintergreen Essential Oil Interestingly, up until about fifteen years ago, wintergreen essential oil was classed as a hazardous essential oil and was on the aromatherapists' no-go lists. This was based on the fact that it is very easy to accidentally overdose on wintergreen essential oil, which can be lethal. Today, aromatherapists are taught to take thorough case histories, especially around other medications, creams, lotions, and diet, to prevent this. In this article, we’ll talk about things you need to be cautious of when using wintergreen essential oil. Even though some of this becomes a little science-loaded, understanding the way methyl salicylate affects us may help you avoid some dangerous mistakes. What’s So Special About Wintergreen Essential Oil? Wintergreen is a Native American traditional remedy. Tribes, including the Seneca and the Mohicans, use wintergreen leaves as a traditional remedy for pain relief. The success of the plant is down to the high levels of a constituent called Methyl salicylate. The chemical compound occurs naturally in various plants, but most notably in wintergreen leaves,s, where it comprises almost the entirety of the chemistry. Best known for its soothing and analgesic properties, methyl salicylate is a valuable ingredient in numerous pharmaceuticals, topical creams, and even some food products. Methyl salicylate is an ester.  Esters are a very versatile chemical group, important for developing pharmaceuticals. They make medications smell and taste better, possess anti-inflammatory properties, and improve how well the body absorbs medicines. Methyl salicylate is also used in small quantities in some foods and beverages, to imbue its distinctive minty flavor.  Its cooling sensation and refreshing taste make it a favorite in products like chewing gum, candy, and even some soft drinks. The analgesic properties of methyl salicylate have made it a popular choice in the pharmaceutical industry. It is a key component of many over-the-counter pain relief products, particularly topical ointments and creams designed to alleviate muscle and joint pain. When applied to the skin, it produces a warming or cooling sensation, which h