Wintergreen essential oil is one of the most unique and invigorating oils in your collection. Known for its bold, minty aroma and cooling properties, it’s ideal for creating refreshing blends or soothing muscle rubs. However, before you dive in, it’s important to understand how to use it safely and effectively. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Wintergreen Essential Oil.
What is Wintergreen Essential Oil?
Wintergreen oil comes from the leaves of the Gaultheria procumbens plant, a small shrub native to North America. The plant thrives in forested areas, and Indigenous communities have long used its leaves for various wellness practices. Today, people primarily use Wintergreen for its cooling effect and minty scent, which appears in everything from lotions and sports creams to — yes — even bubble gum!
Its distinct aroma comes from methyl salicylate, the compound responsible for its sharp, refreshing scent. This compound makes up about 95-99% of Wintergreen’s composition, and it’s closely related to salicylic acid — the same ingredient found in aspirin.
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Consistency: Thin
- Color: Clear to pale yellow
- Blending Factor: 2
Uses & Benefits of Wintergreen Essential Oil
Wintergreen offers many practical uses today. As we mentioned earlier, people commonly use it in over-the-counter topical pain relievers. However, it’s important to remember that you should not ingest this oil. Instead, use it aromatically and topically for the best results. Additionally, Wintergreen has several other uses, including:
Soothes Muscles
Wintergreen has long been used in many over-the-counter topical pain relievers, making this essential oil a great addition to your post-workout routine or whenever you have tired muscles and joints in need of a quick pick-me-up. In fact, studies1 show that Wintergreen Essential Oil has analgesic properties, which can help soothe discomfort when applied topically.
Boosts Immunity
Wintergreen Oil is a highly potent essential oil that packs a powerful punch. The leaves of the wintergreen plant contain a natural chemical that may help reduce discomfort and support a healthy respiratory system, especially during seasonal threats.
Cleans
Wintergreen Oil is fatal to most bacteria and microbes, including staph as shown in this study2. I love adding Wintergreen to my DIY Household cleaner! I add Simply Earth’s Cleaning Tabs to my glass spray bottle and add Wintergreen to provide a bright and minty aroma while I clean. It supports my energy levels and gets the job done.
Energizes
The aroma of Wintergreen Oil is potent, yet very uplifting. Breathing in the scent of the oil has been said to be invigorating for one’s mood. Diffuse a few drops of it in your diffuser to reap its soothing benefits.
Deodorizes
This oil is great to diffuse to liven up the scent of your home, and is great to freshen up dirty-smelling bags and fabrics! A couple of drops on a cotton ball placed into a gym bag will hide the smell of sweaty clothes and socks!
Reduces Appearance of Breakouts
Incorporate Wintergreen Essential Oil into your daily routine to make blemishes a thing of the past! Wintergreen Oil helps combat the bacteria that cause pimples and blackheads, thanks to its powerful sanitizing and antibacterial properties.
What Wintergreen Essential Oil Blends Well With
Wintergreen pairs beautifully with a variety of essential oils, enhancing both its benefits and its fresh, minty aroma. It blends well with Ravensara, Ylang Ylang, and Vanilla Woods Blend to create calming, grounding combinations. For an energizing blend, try it with Peppermint or Black Spruce, or combine it with Marjoram for a soothing effect. Additionally, it complements Lavender (Bulgarian & 40/42) for a balanced, relaxing aroma that’s perfect for promoting mental clarity and relaxation.
What’s the Science Behind This Oil?
Wintergreen Oil is primarily composed of methyl salicylate, a compound also found in aspirin. This compound is responsible for Wintergreen’s powerful cooling effect when applied to the skin. For centuries, various cultures have used it for its soothing and energizing properties.
Due to its high concentration of methyl salicylate, Wintergreen is particularly effective for pain relief, especially in topical applications like muscle rubs or post-workout relief. However, because of its potency, it is essential to dilute Wintergreen oil before use to ensure safe and effective application.
What Are Earthies Saying About This Oil
Things To Remember When Using This Oil
Can inhibit blood clotting, and is very strong, only use in small amounts for short periods of time, dilute to no more than 2% when applied topically. Check out this handy dilution chart we created for topical use.
This is a very strong essential oil. Do not use with any children under the age of 12.
Do not use this oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For safety reasons, this oil will come with a child-proof cap.
We don’t recommend ingesting essential oils unless directed by a doctor certified in aromatherapy. For more information on why we don’t ingest essential oils, check out this blog post.
*Please note: This post is a compilation of suggestions made by those that have extensively used essential oils and has not been verified scientifically with clinical tests nor reviewed by medical experts. It is anecdotal information and should be treated as such. For serious medical concerns, please consult your doctor. The statements given in this blog post have not been verified by the FDA
Have You Tried Wintergreen Essential Oil?
Wintergreen is a powerful addition to your essential oil collection. With its bold, minty aroma and impressive therapeutic benefits, it can soothe sore muscles, boost energy, and even help clear your mind. Use it wisely and dilute it properly, and you’ll be able to enjoy all that this cooling, refreshing oil has to offer.
Shop Wintergreen Oil: Simply Earth Wintergreen Essential Oil
References:
- Hebert PR, Barice EJ, Hennekens CH. Treatment of low back pain: the potential clinical and public health benefits of topical herbal remedies. 2013 Oct
- Luo B, Kastrat E, Morcol T, Cheng H, Kennelly E, Long C. Gaultheria longibracteolata, an alternative source of wintergreen oil. 2021 Apr