Wintergreen Essential Oil

Wintergreen Essential Oil

Botanical name: Gaultheria procumbens

Wintergreen Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens, an evergreen shrub native to North America. The leaves are first soaked in warm water to allow naturally occurring enzymes to produce methyl salicylate before the oil is distilled.

Its distinctive sweet mint-like aroma has made wintergreen popular in massage preparations and flavourings for generations. In aromatherapy it is primarily valued as an ingredient in carefully diluted massage blends rather than for diffuser use.

Aromatic profile

• Strong sweet mint aroma
• Fresh medicinal character
• Warm balsamic undertones
• Highly penetrating fragrance

How Wintergreen Essential Oil is traditionally used

Wintergreen Essential Oil is traditionally used in highly diluted massage oils for muscles and joints. Because of its potency, it is normally blended in very small amounts alongside gentler essential oils rather than used on its own.

Blends well with

Black pepper, cypress, eucalyptus, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, pine, rosemary, and spruce.

Extraction method

Steam distilled from leaves after enzymatic fermentation.

Plant origin

North America.

Good to know

• Contains naturally high levels of methyl salicylate.
• Commonly used in sports and massage blends.
• Only very small amounts are normally required.
• Best suited to experienced essential oil users.

Safety

For external use only. Wintergreen Essential Oil contains naturally occurring methyl salicylate and must never be taken internally. Always dilute well before topical use. Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, on children, or by anyone taking anticoagulant medication or with an aspirin allergy unless advised by a suitably qualified healthcare practitioner. Do not apply to broken skin. Perform a patch test before first use and keep well out of reach of children.