Ask an Aromatherapist: How do I Work with Wintergreen Essential Oil?

Wintergreen Essential Oil (Gaultheria fragmentissima or Gaultheria procumbens): A Deep Dive into Its Aromatic and Therapeutic Properties

Botany and Origin

Wintergreen essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of Gaultheria fragmentissima, a species native to the Himalayan regions of Nepal, China, and India. This small, evergreen shrub thrives in mountainous, forested areas, where its glossy leaves release a characteristic scent when crushed. Though the more commonly known Gaultheria procumbens (American wintergreen) is native to North America, Gaultheria fragmentissima is an equally valuable species producing a nearly identical essential oil profile.

Aroma and Characteristics

Wintergreen essential oil has a potent, sweet, and minty aroma reminiscent of medicinal liniments and mint candies. Its scent is sharp, cooling, and highly diffusive, making it instantly recognizable. The oil is pale yellow to pinkish in hue and is often used in very small quantities due to its intense scent and potency.

Historical and Traditional Uses

Traditionally, wintergreen leaves were used by indigenous peoples for pain relief, particularly for sore muscles, rheumatism, and headaches. The leaves were often steeped into teas or chewed for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, wintergreen has been valued for its ability to reduce swelling, ease joint discomfort, and promote circulation.

Modern Uses and Applications

Aromatherapy – Safety First

In Salvatore Battaglia’s book “The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy” wintergreen essential oil is listed in a chapter title “Hazardous Essential Oils”. Aromatherapist Wendy Robbins, the founder and author of AromaWeb states wintergreen should be used “sparingly if at all”.

Why is that? The key component of wintergreen essential oil is methyl salicylate, which comprises up to 99% of the oil. Methyl salicylate can be toxic in high doses.

When used topically some methyl salicylate can be absorbed through the skin. And there are rare instances where people have accidently poisoned themselves or died because of excess use of a wintergreen containing product and the essential oil can be deadly if swallowed by a child (for example: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-news-quirky-science-toxicity-you-asked/you-asked-can-sports-creams-be-harmful and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17239735/#:~:text=Methyl%20salicylate%20continues%20to%20be,in%20several20well%2Ddocumented%20deaths.)

This is why you’ll often find a child-proof cap on wintergreen essential oil or blends that contain wintergreen. Because of these and other safety concerns (see below) some aromatherapists prefer to use other less potentially hazardous oils.

When it is used, wintergreen essential oil is primarily used for pain relief, as it is one of the few essential oils naturally rich in methyl salicylate, a compound similar to aspirin. It is often incorporated into massage blends, muscle rubs, and liniments to alleviate:

• Muscular aches and pains

• Arthritis and joint discomfort

• Tension headaches

• Poor circulation

  
  

Cosmetic Formulation

Due to its potent nature, wintergreen oil is used sparingly in skincare and cosmetic products. It is occasionally added to:

• Warming balms and salves for muscle relief

• Scalp treatments to promote circulation

• Foot care products to soothe tired feet

• Soaps or shampoos

• Products to address blemishes

• To flavor toothpaste

  
  

However, given its potent nature it must be used with care and within regulatory guidelines put forth for the area in which those products are manufactured.

Perfumery

In perfumery, wintergreen’s distinct medicinal sweetness is used in trace amounts to create unique accords. It adds a cooling, minty aspect to:

• Herbal and fougère fragrances

• Vintage barbershop-style colognes

• Minty gourmand compositions

• Intriguing woodsy and fresh blends

Safety Considerations & Dermal Limits

• Methyl salicylate is highly potent and can be toxic in high doses. It should always be diluted properly and never used internally.

• Dermal limit: The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) recommends a maximum dermal concentration of 2.4%.

• Not suitable for children, pregnant women, individuals on blood thinners, or those with aspirin allergies.

• Always conduct a patch test before topical use.

  
  

Practical Applications for Aromatherapists & Cosmetic Formulators

• For tips on using an essential oil like wintergreen it is best to set up a consult with a certified aromatherapist or cosmetic chemist. To schedule a free consult please book an appointment here.

  
  

Conclusion

Wintergreen essential oil is a powerful and unique addition to any aromatherapist’s or formulator’s toolkit. While it has a signature minty, medicinal scent and potent analgesic properties, it must be used with care and precision. Whether incorporated into muscle rubs, refreshing foot balms, or creative fragrance compositions, its distinct properties make it a valuable, though carefully controlled, natural ingredient.