Wintergreen
Wintergreen
Research shows that wintergreen oil has the ability to act like a natural analgesic (pain reducer), anti-arthritic, antiseptic and astringent. Wintergreen oil primarily contains the active ingredient methyl salicylate, which makes up about 85 percent to 99 percent of wintergreen essential oil.
WINTERGREEN ESSENTIAL OIL BENEFITS INCLUDE
•Fighting disease-causing inflammation
•Relieving pain
•Reducing swelling and irritation
•Improving digestion
•Clearing skin irritation
•Improving alertness and senses
•Treating colds, fevers, infections and the flu
Wintergreen oil has been used as an active ingredient in many topical pain relievers for decades to help ease muscle joint and bone pain. Today, it’s commonly used for reducing other painful conditions, too; for example, wintergreen is used as a natural headache remedy, for chronic nerve pain, PMS symptoms and arthritis. This is because wintergreen naturally contains active constituents that work similarly to aspirin
12 WINTERGREEN OIL USES
1.Muscle Pain Relief
2.Cold and Flu Treatment
3.Antibacterial and Antiviral
4.Digestive Relief
5.Skin and Hair Treatment
6.Energizer and Fatigue Fighter
7.Soothing Bath Soak
8.Air Freshener
9.Hunger and Cravings Reducer
10.Homemade Toothpaste
11.Homemade Mouthwash
12.Natural Flavor Enhancer
HOMEMADE MUSCLE RUB RECIPE
This homemade muscle rub really works to penetrate deep into the muscles, bringing a soothing and relaxing sensation. This is one of my favorite things to use after I’ve completed a workout.
INGREDIENTS:
•1/2 cup coconut oil
•1/4 cup grated beeswax
•2 teaspoons cayenne powder
•2 teaspoons ginger or turmeric powder
•15 drops wintergreen essential oil (you can also use part peppermint oil)
•15 drops lavender essential oil
•Glass jar
DIRECTIONS:
Pour all oils (except essential oils) in to a jar. Place a saucepan with 2 inches of water over medium low heat.
Place jar in saucepan and allow contents to melt. Stir to combine. Add the cayenne and ginger/turmeric.
Once combined, allow to cool slightly and then add in essential oils. Mix well. Pour mixture into metal tins or storage containers and allow to set.
SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS OF WINTERGREEN OIL
High doses can be toxic and even painful, so avoid overconsuming wintergreen oil or applying it directly to skin. Use very small quantities of wintergreen oil, especially if you are new to trying it. Also be careful to keep it away from your eyes, the mucus membranes inside of your nose, pets and babies. Because methyl salicylate can be harmful when used on open wounds, internally, on babies or children, and on anyone with allergies, use caution and start slowly.
If you have sensitive skin, there’s a chance you can react badly to mint oils and might experience redness, burning and swelling, so do a small patch test first to make sure you don’t experience any side effects. Try testing one to two drops on an area of your skin that isn’t sensitive, such as your feet or calves. Make sure you can tolerate wintergreen oil well before using it internally or on larger parts of your body.
Avoid using wintergreen oil internally unless you’re working with a professional. Ingesting it can possibly cause side effects for some that include heartburn, flushing, mouth sores, headaches, rashes and acid reflux. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter medications can also adversely interact with wintergreen when it’s consumed, so speak with your doctor if you take any digestive or asthma medications, blood thinners, pain medication, or anti-coagulants.
SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS OF WINTERGREEN OIL
High doses can be toxic and even painful, so avoid overconsuming wintergreen oil or applying it directly to skin. Use very small quantities of wintergreen oil, especially if you are new to trying it. Also be careful to keep it away from your eyes, the mucus membranes inside of your nose, pets and babies. Because methyl salicylate can be harmful when used on open wounds, internally, on babies or children, and on anyone with allergies, use caution and start slowly.
If you have sensitive skin, there’s a chance you can react badly to mint oils and might experience redness, burning and swelling, so do a small patch test first to make sure you don’t experience any side effects. Try testing one to two drops on an area of your skin that isn’t sensitive, such as your feet or calves. Make sure you can tolerate wintergreen oil well before using it internally or on larger parts of your body.
Avoid using wintergreen oil internally unless you’re working with a professional. Ingesting it can possibly cause side effects for some that include heartburn, flushing, mouth sores, headaches, rashes and acid reflux. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter medications can also adversely interact with wintergreen when it’s consumed, so speak with your doctor if you take any digestive or asthma medications, blood thinners, pain medication, or anti-coagulants.
