Wintergreen oil

Ingredients: gaultheria procumbens oil (100% wintergreen essential oil).

Origin: China.

Essential oil quality certificates: COSMOS APPROVED “Ecocert raw materials” (organic and natural cosmetics), MyClimate (100% sustainability, environmentally neutral production process).

Method of extraction: the essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens.

Aroma: warm, strong, balsamic, slightly smoky with hints of dried herbs and honey.

Wintergreen is an evergreen plant native to western North America. Its leaves were used by local Native American tribes to prepare a decoction for headaches and colds, as well as bandages for arthritis and rheumatism [1]. When research began on this plant, the active substance methyl salicylate was discovered in its composition, whose analogues and it itself have long been used in pharmacy.

Wintergreen essential oil contains 99.8% methyl salicylate (according to GCMS analysis of our oil). This compound turns into salicylic acid during metabolism in wintergreen leaves, thanks to which the plant itself has a special resistance to various pathogens [2], and methyl salicylate itself is a good insecticide and perfectly protects against insects [3].

Wintergreen essential oil has a warming effect on the skin, making it a favorite ingredient in various muscle pain relievers and exercisers [4]. It reduces the sensitivity of the skin (e.g. in case of itching, burning or other unpleasant sensation), but a large amount can cause redness of the skin. Together with mint oil, wintergreen essential oil forms a synergistic mixture with an even stronger effect [5]. Massage mixtures for muscles usually use 10-30% wintergreen oil (if mixed with 2-10% wild mint oil), but mixtures of this concentration are used only on a small area of the skin on problem areas. If the mixture causes skin redness or severe irritation, reduce the amount of essential oil in the mixture.

Wintergreen essential oil can be used for acne-prone and acne-damaged skin, because salicylic acid is formed in our skin during its metabolism, which has antiseptic properties, reduces inflammation and normalizes keratinization, which reduces the risk of acne and comedone formation [6].

It is important to note that every year, due to irresponsible use, a large number of cases of poisoning with methyl salicylate are recorded. 1 teaspoon of wintergreen essential oil is equivalent to 21.7 aspirin tablets (325 mg each) [7], and due to its fat solubility, methyl salicylate is more toxic than aspirin. A dose of 4-8 ml can be fatal in children. Just 5-6 drops of wintergreen essential oil is equal to one aspirin tablet. Therefore, we do not recommend taking this oil internally, you should discuss this with your doctor.

Usage:
✓ for face and body care – mix 2-5 drops of essential oil with 10-15 g of base (e.g. carrier oil – almond, grape seed, etc.)
✓ in case of acne – mix 3-6 drops with 10 g of base (e.g. base oil – grape seed, almond, etc.)
✓ massage mixtures for muscles – mix 1-3 ml of essential oil with 10-15 g of base (e.g. grape seed oil)
✓ mixture for relaxing massage – mix 2-5 drops with 10 g of base (e.g. almond oil)
✓ baths – mix 3-4 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of milk, honey, sea or table salt, add to a full bath of water. The duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes.
✓ essential oils can be vaporized in a vaporizer or aroma lamps.

Contraindications: do not use in case of individual intolerance and children’s skin care. Do not use pure oil on the skin. Before using essential oils, it is necessary to check whether the inhaled or applied oil will not cause an individual allergic reaction!

Analytical quality control:

Wintergreen essential oil (GCMS analysis)