Organic wintergreen essential oil, also known in Quebec as thé des bois, is known for its fresh, powerful, and highly distinctive aroma. Steam distilled from the leaves of the plant, it is especially appreciated in body care applications intended for overworked muscles and joints.

Traditionally used in massage, wintergreen essential oil is commonly chosen to help support comfort related to physical effort, muscular tension, and joint stiffness. It is often included in targeted massage blends for cramps, tendon discomfort, muscular tension, osteoarthritis, and rheumatic discomfort.

Its aromatic profile, made up almost entirely of methyl salicylate, makes it a very potent essential oil that should always be used with caution and properly diluted. It is also found in certain personal care products such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, and chewing gums for its refreshing scent and traditional cleansing use.

Origin of this essential oil

This organic wintergreen essential oil comes from China and is obtained by steam distillation of the plant’s leaves. Wintergreen is a hardy evergreen shrub with aromatic foliage that has long been appreciated in botanical traditions.

The botanical genus Gaultheria was named by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in honour of Québécois botanist Jean-François Gaultier.

Properties

Wintergreen essential oil is mainly used in massage to support comfort related to:

• muscular tension
• cramps
• tendon discomfort
• joint discomfort
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatic discomfort

It is especially popular in massage preparations used after physical activity or during periods when the body feels stiff and overworked.

Suggested uses

Body massage
Always dilute in a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Use in localized massage on the desired muscular or joint area.

Targeted DIY care
It can be added to a massage oil blend intended for post-workout recovery or for tense areas.

Other traditional uses
It is also mentioned in traditional use for antifungal treatments for plants.

Quick practical recipe

Comforting massage oil
In 30 ml of carrier oil, add:

• 3 drops wintergreen essential oil
• 3 drops true lavender essential oil
• 2 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil

Massage locally onto a small area as needed.

Precautions for use

This essential oil is very powerful and must be used with caution.

• Keep out of reach of children, and away from air, heat, and light.
• Always dilute before topical use.
• May cause skin irritation if used undiluted.
• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Not recommended for children under 6 years old.
• Avoid if allergic to aspirin.
• Avoid combining with anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications.
• Do not use internally.

Methyl salicylate, the main constituent of this essential oil, is absorbed through the skin even at low doses. It may increase the effects of oral anticoagulants by affecting vitamin K metabolism or by displacing certain medications from protein-binding sites.

For perspective, one teaspoon, or 5 ml, of wintergreen essential oil is considered equivalent to about 7000 mg of aspirin, which clearly illustrates its potency. Methyl salicylate is also considered more active than aspirin and more rapidly absorbed through topical application.

More information

Wintergreen, also called Canada tea, Newfoundland tea, palommier, or creeping wintergreen, is an evergreen shrub with aromatic leaves. It produces small fragrant white or pink flowers followed by colourful fruits.

This plant grows naturally in certain mountainous regions, including the Himalayas, on dry rocky slopes between 1500 and 2700 metres above sea level. Its leaves and aerial twigs can be harvested sustainably from its natural environment.

Wintergreen essential oil is composed of approximately 99% methyl salicylate, which explains its characteristic scent and highly targeted use.

Audrey’s tip, also known as La naturo imparfaite

Wintergreen is definitely not an essential oil to use casually. When properly diluted, carefully selected, and correctly dosed, it can become a valuable ally in a targeted massage blend.

References

• L’aromathérapie énergétique, Lydia Bosson
• L’aromathérapie exactement, Pierre Franchomme, Roger Jollois and Daniel Pénoël
• Wikiphyto.org