Uses And Benefits Of Wintergreen Essential Oil
Historically, it has been said that the benefits of Wintergreen Essential Oil were first recognised by Aboriginal tribes in North Africa, where it was used to ease respiratory ailments, breathing difficulties, exhaustion, inflammation, pain, and feelings of weakness.
Since then, Wintergreen Oil is best known for its ability to improve circulation and ease skin complaints, as well as relieve muscular aches, joint pain, swelling, fluid retention and cramping.
What Is Wintergreen Essential Oil?
Steam distilled from the leaves of the Gaultheria procumbens herb, Wintergreen Essential Oil carries a distinctively medicinal, deeply minty, and somewhat herbal aroma. In fact, you will probably almost instantly recognise this scent as it is found in a lot of muscle relaxant creams and lotions.
Interestingly, this essential oil came to be called ‘Wintergreen Oil’ because the botanical species keeps its ‘green’ colour all year round, even throughout the winter months.
Benefits Of Wintergreen Essential Oil
Benefits of Wintergreen Essential Oil for Medicinal Use
- When used medicinally, the benefits of Wintergreen Essential Oil are known to increase circulation. This makes it one of the best essential oils for pain that may come in the form of joint swelling, muscle fatigue and inflammation.
- For this reason, it has been seen to be incredibly beneficial for those who experience symptoms relating to arthritis, rheumatism, and gout.
- Wintergreen Oil is also believed to encourage the body’s detoxification and for this reason, it may assist with relieving cold and flu symptoms.
- It has also been seen to be an effective agent for symptoms of psoriasis and infections.
- Wintergreen Essential Oil is known to be a mild anesthetic and for this reason, it is often used to temporarily numb painful areas whilst initiating a sense of warmth.
- This warming effect is also believed to reverse obstructed blood flow, which makes this oil a popular choice for treating frostbite, stings, and poisonous bites.
Benefits of Wintergreen Essential Oil for Cosmetic Use
- In skincare, various Wintergreen Oil benefits are known to promote clear complexions by reducing the appearance of acne.
- Due to the many astringent properties within this oil, it has further been seen to tighten and lift the skin to encourage a more youthful-looking appearance.
- When used on the hair, these same astringent properties are reputed to strengthen the hair, reduce hair loss, and ease dandruff.
Benefits of Wintergreen Essential Oil in Aromatherapy
- In aromatherapy, the sweet, minty and crisp aroma of Wintergreen Essential Oil is highly valued for its ability to uplift, invigorate and energise the mind.
- For this reason, it is commonly diffused in offices, study spaces and other places where concentration is required.
- When used in a diffuser, it acts as an effective deodoriser, eliminating unwanted odours.
- Wintergreen Oil is also known to alleviate feelings of negativity, stress and pressure, whilst restoring emotional balance.
Popular Uses and Benefits of Wintergreen Oil
Wintergreen Essential Oil for Pain
How To Use Wintergreen Essential Oil for Pain
- Wintergreen Essential Oil is highly valued for its mild anaesthetic effect. For this reason, it is commonly used to alleviate pain associated with joint aches and muscle fatigue.
- When used topically, it is known to enhance blood circulation and encourage a sense of warmth which may assist with managing pain.
Wintergreen Essential Oil for Muscle Soreness
How To Use Wintergreen Essential Oil for Muscle Soreness
- When used in an aromatherapy massage, Wintergreen Oil works to provide a sense of comfort to exhausted and tender muscles.
Wintergreen Essential Oil for Hair
How To Use Wintergreen Essential Oil for Hair
- When used on the hair, the benefits of Wintergreen Oil have been seen to calm inflammation on the scalp which in turn, may relieve dandruff.
- It is also known to stimulate blood circulation which may further encourage healthy hair growth whilst preventing hair loss.
Wintergreen Essential Oil for Skin
How To Use Wintergreen Essential Oil for Skin
- When used on the skin, Wintergreen Essential Oil is reputed to promote a clear complexion by alleviating skin complaints such as acne and irritation.
- It has further been seen to tighten the skin surface to promote a more youthful appearance.
Wintergreen Essential Oil for Colds and Flus
How To Use Wintergreen Essential Oil for Colds and Flus
- The antispasmodic properties within Wintergreen Essential Oil are known to relieve excessive coughing.
- Likewise, the decongesting aroma works to clear the nasal passages, making breathing easy.
- For this reason, it is favored by those who suffer with asthma and other breathing difficulties.
Wintergreen Essential Oil for Digestion
How To Use Wintergreen Essential Oil for Digestion
- When diluted and applied to the abdomen, Wintergreen Oil has been seen to decrease spasms in the digestive tract to improve digestion.
How To Use Wintergreen Essential Oil?
How to Use Wintergreen Essential Oil in Aromatherapy?
Diffusing: To receive the energizing and revitalizing benefits of Wintergreen Essential Oil, simply add a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser or electric vaporizer.
Inhaling: For those who do not own a diffuser or vaporizer, you can receive the same benefits by inhaling directly from the bottle. Just be sure that the oil does not come into direct contact with the skin as this may result in irritation.
Warm Bath: To soothe inflammation and treat muscle fatigue, add a few drops to a warm bath.
Cleansing Shower: You can also add a drop of Wintergreen Oil to each corner of your shower; the aroma will rise with the steam to create a decongesting and energizing environment.
How to Use Wintergreen Essential Oil on the Skin (Topical Application)
Massage: Due to the pain-relieving benefits, one of the most popular ways to use Wintergreen Essential Oil is in an aromatherapy massage. Simply add a few drops to a carrier oil or base massage oil and massage into sore areas.
Skin Serum: To address skin complaints, add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply to affected areas.
Moisturiser: If you are wanting to use Wintergreen Oil topically but do not want an oil-based formulation, you can also add a few drops to a moisturiser.
Where To Buy Wintergreen Essential Oil
Wintergreen Essential Oil can generally be found in any health, cosmetic and wellbeing retail stores however, it is important to know that the quality and purity of essential oils will vary according to where they are purchased. For this reason, we always recommend finding a reputable and reliable supplier who is willing to provide product documentation.
Here at AWO, quality and purity are of paramount importance and that is why we only provide Wintergreen Essential Oil that is 100% pure, simply follow the link below:
What Customers Are Saying About Wintergreen Essential Oil
“I am in love with this essential oil. The aroma is warming, comforting, calming and healing”
Lois (Verified Customer)
“The best for knee pain relief before and after surgery”
Margaret (Verified Customer)
“Love this oil. Make up blends for headaches and stiff neck and it works a treat"
Lynda (Verified Customer)
Wintergreen Essential Oil Safety
Whilst essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using Wintergreen Essential Oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
- We recommend storing your Essential Oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
- Wintergreen Essential Oil is very concentrated and is likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found under the ‘Directions for Use’ section.
Resources
Tanu, B & Harpreet, K, 2016, ‘Benefits of essential oils’, Journal Of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, vol. 8, no. 6, pp. 143 – 149
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.