Gaultheria procumbens
Grown and distilled in Nepal
This is really wintergreen. It's a controversial oil because of the high probability of severe skin reactions. No matter what anyone tells you, this oil is NOT meant to be used anywhere on the skin.
Poem by Herbert Nehrlich
The best sandwich, says Diogenes,
is one made with saliva,
secreted just for you,
I'll be the lettuce in between,
if you will nibble with your teeth
and, do you swallow little drops of wintergreen?
Arctander says
According to him, this oil was about to become obsolete; replaced by synthetic methyl salicylate. This was, 1962 at the latest, remember....
Gaultheria is a native of eastern North America. His description is of a pale yellow to yellowish or pinkish colored liquid of intensely sweet aromatic odor and flavor, often displaying a peculiar creamy-fruity topnote and a sweet-woody dryout which may have a tar-like not in poorly distilled oils.
In perfumery, methyl salicylate (aka wintergreen) is used in perfumery to add natural notes to ylang ylang, narcissus, tuberose, etcand used frequently in fougères and other forest notes.
Battaglia says
Prior to distilling, leaves are exposed to enzymatic action with warm water and methyl salicylate is formed as a decompostion product from a glycoside in the plant material.
Aroamtherapy wise, wintergreen is best known for its analgesic properties, and to some extent, anti-inflammatory properties. It's also been found to be strongly anti-bacterial and to have stong miticidal properties (meaning against mites.)
This is quite a controversal essential oil but it does have use to the musculoskeletal system, especially combined with peppermint as the two oils together create a synergistic effect that provides better pain relief than either oil alson.
Sal recommends blending for the temporary relief of rheumatism and arthritis, with clove, black pepper, ginger, kunzea, eucalyptus citriodora, rosemary and peppermint.
Avoid using undiluted, especially in the bath.
Safety Warning
As with most essential oils, dilute before using on skin. Perform a patch test before use if essential oil sensitivity is suspected. Do not take essential oils internally. Do not use on children or pets. Seek advice from a trained aromatherapist before using on people with compromised immune systems. Keep away from eyes and mucus membranes.
Enfleurage makes no medical claims relating to any products, essential oils or otherwise, on our website or through social media. We are an essential oil company, not doctors, The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. We present our information in order to educate our customers on traditional and general uses of essential oils; in no way do we diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or condition.
You the customer are responsible for understanding the safe use of any and all of our products, including essential oils, and use them accordingly.
