Wintergreen
Wintergreen is a tree native to North America. It is believed to have been discovered and used by Native Americans to eliminate pain in the muscles and joints. It has a strong, sharp, sweet, woody, minty aroma.
The most widespread and well-known use for wintergreen is as an analgesic, or pain reliever. When rubbed on the affected area, wintergreen is absorbed quickly and induces numbness of the nerves. It also brings warmth to the area with increased circulation of the blood. When the blood is better able to circulate, it helps to clear obstructions in the blood flow pushing out toxins like uric acid (which accumulates at the spot of arthritic pain). Wintergreen relaxes the affected area, reducing or eradicating pain while driving out stress and tension. It also stimulates and increases urination helping the body drive out toxins, excess water, fats, and salts.
Wintergreen is also supportive of the respiratory system. Because of its relaxing and stimulating benefits, it reduces spasms in the respiratory system providing relief from congestion in the chest, breathing difficulties, and spasmodic coughs. This relaxing and stimulating effect is beneficial in supporting the muscular, digestive, and nervous systems as well.
Wintergreen also helps support the body in dealing with the discomfort of menstruation.
Wintergreen can be fatal to bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, so it’s a great immune supporting oil. It is very strong though, and better used topically for this purpose. It is not recommended to use wintergreen on open wounds. Since it helps combat bacterial growth, viruses and fungi, use wintergreen around your home or on your body to remove dangerous contaminants. You can run some through your dishwasher or laundry machine to kill odor-causing bacteria and molds that can linger, or scrub some into your showers and toilet bowls.
Because wintergreen is a strong oil, it is recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying topically. Aromatically, wintergreen oil helps relax and uplift your mood. It has powerful, mentally stimulating effects that increase your attentiveness and the vibration of your body. Its strong aroma can also open, influence, and elevate the awareness of your senses, particularly your sensory system.
Settlers in early America had their children chew the leaves of Wintergreen for several weeks each spring to prevent tooth decay. One of my favorite uses for Wintergreen is to put a drop on my toothbrush with Thieves Dentarome Ultra Toothpaste and brush my teeth. They're whiter and my mouth feels amazing afterward. If you don't want to add to your toothbrush, you can add 1-2 drops to water and gargle in your mouth for 30-60 seconds before rinsing for a wonderful homemade mouthwash.
Your hair and skin will also benefit from the use of wintergreen oil. As a natural astringent and antiseptic, when applied directly to the skin with a carrier oil, wintergreen is able to fight inflammation from blemishes and skin disorders. It’s also helpful for clearing up acne since it can be used to kill germs on the skin. You can add one to two drops to your normal face wash or mix it with coconut or jojoba oil to nourish itchy, red, swollen skin. In the shower, use wintergreen oil on your scalp or hair to remove bacteria, greasiness and dandruff while adding a fresh scent — similar to the benefits of coconut oil for hair.
Wintergreen Overview
usage:
Diffuse or directly inhale.
Apply 1-2 drops on location, chakras, and/or Vita Flex points.
For use as a dietary supplement, put a few drops with an edible carrier oil into a capsule and swallow with water.
Suggested Dilution Ratio:
20-80: Dilute 1 part essential oil to 4 parts carrier oil before applying to skin or taking internally.
Body Systems Affected:
Anti-inflammatory
Cardiovascular System
Muscle and Bone
Caution:
Avoid use in epileptics.
Anticoagulant properties can be enhanced when used with Warfarin or aspirin.
The primary constituent, Methyl salicylate, can be toxic in high doses. One single teaspoon is equivalent to almost 90 baby aspirins, so keep this oil out of reach of small children.
ADDITIONAL NOTES & DISCLAIMERS:
Refer to a trusted reference guide for specific information on proper usage information specific to your concerns. Use proper judgement and seek the advice of your health care provider. Essential Oil usage for serious issues is not a substitute for professional care, but rather another way to support your body and help bring it back to balance.
Information obtained here is meant for educational and informational purposes ONLY, and to motivate and empower you to make your own wellness journey based on your own research and partnership with your healthcare provider.
The statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.