What was wintergreen used for?
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is an evergreen shrub native to the US and Canada. Its leaves and oil have been traditionally used for pain. Wintergreen leaf contains an aspirin-like chemical called methyl salicylate. Wintergreen leaf is used for painful conditions including headache, nerve pain (particularly sciatica), arthritis, ovarian pain, and menstrual cramps.Wintergreen plant oil Wintergreen oil’s high concentration of methyl salicylate acts as a natural pain reliever, easing muscle and joint pain. It acts as an anti-inflammatoryas it reduces inflammation and eases swelling from arthritis, sprains, and musculoskeletal discomfort.Muscle and joint massage: Dilute a few drops of essential oil of Wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima) in a vegetable oil, such as Sweet Almond, and gently massage into painful areas. This technique is particularly effective for relieving muscle aches, pains and joint tension.In addition to its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, wintergreen essential oil has antispasmodics, hypotensive, slightly vasodilator, and analgesic properties. It is used to remedy headaches, hypertension, menstrual cramps, and coronary artery disease – all which are considered inflammatory.
What is oil of wintergreen used for nowadays?
Wintergreen was a common ingredient in circulation-boosting, muscle-soothing balms throughout history, and is now used for its energising, anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being a natural colourant and flavouring. Wintergreen is safe in the amounts found in foods, and seems safe for most adults when used as a medicine. The oil is UNSAFE to take by mouth. Taking wintergreen oil or large amounts of wintergreen leaf can cause ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stomach pain, and confusion.
Does wintergreen have any health benefits?
A review of over 150 studies on wintergreen identified anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and photoprotective potential of a range of extracts which were taken from various parts of the plant. Wintergreen essential oil was found to have antifungal, larvicidal, antibacterial and insecticidal activity. If you choose to make a solution with wintergreen oil and other essential oils, wintergreen oil may blend well with peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oils.
Who should not use wintergreen essential oil?
Salicylate or aspirin allergy, asthma, or nasal polyps: Wintergreen might cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to aspirin or other salicylate compounds, or who have asthma or nasal polyps. Adverse Reactions Wintergreen may cause hypersensitivity reactions. Topical administration of methyl salicylate may cause redness and irritation; second- and third-degree burns have been reported rarely with products containing menthol alone or menthol and methyl salicylate.