October 2, 2011

Wintergreen Essential Oil – Aromatherapy

If there is one essential oil that is typically native to America, it is wintergreen essential oil. It was the first Native Americans who were believed to have first used wintergreen for medicinal purposes. Its botanical name is Gaultheria procumbens and is called also by other names such as mountain tea and teaberry. This pale yellow to pinkish yellow essential oil has a distinct minty flavour that can be found in almost all medicinal ointment available in the market today. It is said that its primary component, methyl salicytate, was the precursor to the modern aspirin.

Athletes and people suffering from rheumatism and arthritis are very fond of wintergreen oil for a very good reason. It is considered as a very potent and effective analgesic. When used as an ingredient in massage oil, it can give almost an instantaneous relief from almost all kinds of pain. Methyl salicytate is said to be able to enter the skin pores and eliminate the build up of prostaglandin which is the hormone responsible for the pain sensation. No wonder then that it is the oil of choice for people who has tired and sprain muscles as well as joint pain.

Its minty flavour help relaxes the all the nerves of the body. The mind itself can be cleared from any unwanted thoughts and hence very efficacious for stress treatment. Wintergreen oil is said also to help a person breathe easier. It can contract the organs responsible for respiration, the same way it contracts all the nerves and muscles of the body. People with asthma often find this essential oil a boost to their need to breathe without difficulty.

In aromatherapy, wintergreen essential oil has become almost a sensation among its practitioners. It’s almost sweet and fresh minty aroma helps the complete relaxation of the body and the spirit. The body benefits from its ability to ease almost all kinds of pain. The Native Americans even used wintergreen for toothache which shows how effective it is to treat pain. As for the spirit, it helps a person have peace of mind.

Word of caution though, wintergreen essential oil can be toxic. It should not be taken internally under any circumstances. All essential oils are for external use only, hence it is never recommended for oral use. Manufacturers of drugs containing methyl salicytate have made sure that they have diluted liberally it first before including them as ingredient for mouthwash or toothpaste.

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