Day 20 is here with an essential oil that needs to be used carefully.
Wintergreen essential oil is one of the essential oils I use in my muscle/joint pain gel because it works! I love the smell of this essential oil, but there is something you should bear in mind when it comes to this essential oil. The words you need to remember with wintergreen essential oil, “short term use in a small area”. Short term use, would be for a few days. After a few days, my pain gel pretty much helps the issue. But if not, I would either make another product without this essential oil or seek medical attention if the pain is that bad. This is an essential oil you do not want to slather all over your body. Wintergreen essential oil has some contraindications. This would also be useful to add to your cleaning products for short term use to clean surfaces when someone in the house has been sick. If you are going to diffuse this, for its cleansing power, best do it when no one is in the house. This oil also comes with a special child safety cap. Wintergreen is one you definitely want to avoid children getting a hold of. You may also see the Latin Name as Gaultheria fragrantissima depending on the brand. This is due to the location the essential oil was supplied from. Either Latin name has the same information I am providing below. I don’t want to scare you away from this oil, it is really great! Just be cautious about how you use it and how long you use it.
Essential Oil Common Name: Wintergreen
Latin Name: Gaultheria procumbens
Family: Ericaceae
Part of Plant Used: Leaves
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Notes (Scent and Staying Power): Middle-top
Safe for Ages: Safe for ages 10+ (I have read where some recommend 12+ to avoid at any age with children for this essential oil) due to the methyl salicylate content. If you create a blend for yourself, this is not the essential oil to cut the drops down to use on your kids under 10. Avoid under 10.
Safe for Pregnancy: No
Safe for Breastfeeding: No
Topical Max: The topical max for this essential oil is 2.4%. Do not use it on broken skin. Always dilute before applying to the skin.
Shelf Life: 7 Years
Key Therapeutic Properties/Actions: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anticoagulant, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic (Disinfectant), Antispasmodic, Decongestant
Contraindications: This essential oil has a few contraindications. These contraindications are for all routes, internal, topical, and inhalation. Let’s start with the recommendation of using on kids over age 12 to avoid in kids altogether. This recommendation is due to the high level of salicylates in wintergreen. This is because of the risk associated with Reyes Syndrome. The risk is increased if you take any blood-thinning medication such as Aspirin, heparin, or warfarin. You should avoid it if you take these anticoagulant medications either way. Avoid this essential oil if you have a salicylate sensitivity. This often applies to people with ADD/ADHD. Avoid if you are going in for surgery, or have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia. It is not recommended for use internally if you have Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)…but seriously, don’t even try to take wintergreen essential oil internally. There are many cases of salicylate poisoning reported.
Where to purchase: Wintergreen here.
Thank you for reading!
Love and Nature,
Nicole
Remember: The contents of this blog post are intended for educational and informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. Click here to read more about my medical/FDA disclaimers.
References:
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
Aromahead Institute. (n.d.). Aromatherapy Certification Program. [Courses]. Aromahead Institute. https://courses.aromahead.com/aromatherapy-certification-program