Wintergreen essential oil (gaultheria)

Essential Oil of Wintergreen

Latin name: Gaultheria procumbens Leaf Oil
Country of origin: North America, Canada
Extraction method: steam distillation of leaves
Note and evaporation rate: middle to top
Cultivation method: conventional
Predominant chemical families: esters (mainly methyl salicylate)

Description

Wintergreen essential oil has a characteristic sweet-menthol and very fresh scent reminiscent of menthol and sports muscle balms. It is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of the Gaultheria procumbens plant, which grows primarily in North America.

The main component of the oil is methyl salicylate, which makes up the majority of its composition and gives the oil its characteristic aromatic properties. Due to its strong aroma, wintergreen essential oil is used primarily in aromatherapy, muscle massage preparations, and fragrance products.

The oil is highly concentrated and must be used in very small amounts. Due to the high methyl salicylate content, it requires special care when formulating cosmetic products.

Properties and Uses

Aromatherapy
The strong, fresh, and mentholated aroma creates a sense of freshness and refreshes the room in diffusers or evaporators.

Massage preparations
Often used in very low concentrations in massage oils or muscle balms, where it provides a sensation of warmth and relaxation after physical activity.

Fragrances and candles
Thanks to its distinctive scent, it is suitable for scenting fragrance candles and other fragrance products.

Usage Tips

Diffuser / evaporator
1–2 drops to freshen the room.

Massage oil
No more than 1 drop per approximately 50 ml of carrier oil.

Candles
Suitable for scenting fragrance candles.

Important Warning

Wintergreen essential oil contains very high concentrations of methyl salicylate and must therefore be used with great caution and exclusively in very low concentrations.

Not suitable for use by pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children. Do not apply to damaged, irritated, or sensitive skin. Always dilute the product in a carrier oil or appropriate formulation.

Avoid use by individuals who are sensitive to salicylates (e.g. aspirin) or who are taking anticoagulant medications.

For external use only. Do not use undiluted. Keep out of reach of children.

When manufacturing cosmetic or aromatic products, always follow applicable safety guidelines and recommended usage concentrations.

Suitable primarily for aromatic use (diffusers, candles) and professional product formulation.