Latin names : Gaultheria fragrantissima French names : Gaulthérie odorante, Gaulthérie fragrante Other English names : Scented wintergreen, Indian wintergreen Extracted from : Leaves (after maceration)
The oil is indicated for sportsmen for people who wounded their mobility system where it should move with fluidity.
For those who have rheumatism because it gently warms muscles up.
Rub one's knees with this oil foe them to stand up no matter what...
FYI : British skiers oil their ears up in order to keep them warm enough on the slopes... See, no need to be born in Alps to ski comfortably !
Home-made sweets and chewing-gum : one drop of wintergreen oil, one drop of Cinnamon and 2 or 3 drops of Lime and you will surely hit the target!
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The plant, its legends and its botany
Wintergreen is part of a large botanical family of usually low plants: ericaceae. And there over 180 species of wintergreen. But even though most of them are tiny plants, close to the ground, some can rise up to several meters high.
It likes growing in water and always stands very close to this element. Not
only does it require moisture, high humidity, but it gives its essential oil the
fragrance we know only when the leaves macerate in warm water for a few days.
Athletes identify this smell very quickly for it is a traditional component of all balms ... successfully! Its main molecule, methyl salicylate, is very close in structure to that of
aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, and several properties of these two are
identical. So much for soreness!
Wintergreen bears beautiful berries which colour varies from one species to another. Usually bright red, they can turn completely white. Some species' are edible and as they taste relatively minty, they are often reminiscent of another plant... These complex smells and tastes have earned to be incorporated into chewing gums.
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Energetic properties
Diminishes the need to always put the blame on other people and the consequent irritation. Helps to see that other people's actions and words are full of good intentions, even if they have another idea of what a good intention is. Allows to forgive self. Helps to accept relaxation.
Trifunctional phenol, phenol-ether and methyl ester compound (90-98% methyl salicylate, other salicylates traces) Esther (traces of various benzoates and acetates) Aldehydes (depending on the batch, traces) Phenol methyl ethers (depending on the batch: traces of beta-asarone)
Slightly dermocaustic on certain people. _Use it diluted into 50-70% carrier oil. Can be used undiluted if well supported. Internal use: non-recommended unless really necessary External use: dilution highly recommended
In
case of haemophilia or haemo-lequifying medication (blood thinners,
including those containing warfarin) : it is recommended to avoid using wintergreen oil. However,
no interaction was observed and natural and stable methyl salicylate in a pure and natural essential oil is not hemolequifying but adaptogen at this scale. In case of acetaminophen: interactions suspected (then: nephrotoxicity). Indeed, interactions between acetyl salicylic acid and acetaminophen are well documented. Therefore, exacerbated rule of thumb concerning wintergreen, but let us await further information.
Keep children out of reach Children and pregnant women: no additional contraindication known to this day within physiological dosage.
