Native Americans knew how to take care of their bodies using the natural remedies that surrounded them. The plants and trees that grew around them offered their services and the natives instinctively used them. They learned what plants had the power to heal using the trial and error method.
That method was fine tuned through the centuries, and the learned knowledge was passed from one generation to another. Native Americans understood what the body needed to maintain the energy to hunt as well as to build and procreate. They relied on the plant kingdom to support their natural body functions.
Wintergreen was one of those natural allies that could help them increase their lung capacity as well as help respiratory conditions when they chewed the leaves. The natives learned that the oil could never be swallowed on its own; it was toxic when ingested. But that didn't stop them from chewing the leaves or mixing the oil they extracted by steaming the leaves for joint and muscle pain as well as for slowing down a mucous discharge brought on by a respiratory illness.
The wintergreen oil contains methyl salicylate and a little gaultherilene, which makes it a precursor to common aspirin. The salicylates enter the cells and tissues to inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, and that action reduces inflammation and pain, but the oil must be diluted to limit transdermal absorption. Most oil blends contain less than 25% wintergreen oil so the body can tolerate it.
Wintergreen essential oil has anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, antitussive, carminative, emmenagogue, stimulant and galactagogue properties. The essential oil is often included in formulas that open breathing passages. When the vapor of blended oil is inhaled in aromatherapy, the unmistakable aroma can stimulate the mind and clear the sinuses. Wintergreen blends nicely with eucalyptus and ravensara to achieve sinus relief.
The main purpose of blended wintergreen oil is to relieve conditions like gout, neuralgia, lumbago, fibromyalgia, and sciatica. Arthritis sufferers can also get relief when wintergreen oil is blended with other essential oils in dilution such as thyme, peppermint, oregano, and ylang-ylang. A warm wintergreen oil massage helps weak muscles and joints and when wintergreen oil is added to facial massage ingredients, it helps relieve headaches. Some users consider the oil a liquid bottle of aspirin, but it should be used with care. The oil should be used in modest amounts because it can thin the blood just like aspirin. When it is used appropriately it produces excellent results.
The old practice of chewing wintergreen leaves to relieve pain has disappeared, but wintergreen oil is an excellent alternative to that old way of getting the body ready for a day of life experiences.
Michael D. Thompson, an organic perfumer and accredited Master Herbalist, is the founder and director of Florapathics, LLC which manufactures all-natural, organically-derived personal care products that are infused with pure essential oils for aromatherapy.
Visit our aromatherapy blog to read about the benefits and uses of wintergreen oil and many other oils.
Florapathics line of over 90 essential oils is used by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Florapathics gives FREE shipping in the US for all orders. Visit http://www.florapathics.com/ and view our selection over 400 products including artisan-made luxury soy candles, body care, hair care, facial care, and aromatherapy supplies.
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