3 Benefits of Wintergreen Oil

Wintergreen is a plant that has been used for hundreds of years in alternative medicine. Wintergreen oil is extracted from the plant by a process that includes steaming of water-soaked wintergreen leaves. The production involves fermentation of the leaves, followed by distillation to get the final product. The final therapeutic product contains methyl salicylate, which is related to aspirin.

Wintergreen oil has been used for various ailments, such as the following:

• Headaches
• Arthritis
• Nerve pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Tooth decay
• Skin conditions

Although there are no extensive studies on wintergreen oil, some research found the oil to have certain benefits. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine investigated the benefits of a topical combination of herbal remedies, including wintergreen oil, to treat chronic low back pain. Researchers found that wintergreen oil combined with peppermint oil applied to the skin had similar effects to aspirin for pain relief without the side effects.

Some of the benefits of using wintergreen oil occur because the oil contains methyl salicylate. One study in the journal Clinical Therapeutics involved 208 people from age 18 through 78. The adults were placed into two groups. One group wore a patch for eight hours that contained methyl salicylate, and the other group wore a placebo patch.

The results indicated that the group that wore the patch containing methyl salicylate reported significant pain relief from muscle strain compared to the group that wore the placebo patch.

3 Benefits of Wintergreen Oil

It appears the main benefit from wintergreen oil is derived from methyl salicylate. It is used as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. It is absorbed quickly through the skin and acts as a numbing agent. The oil also contains antioxidants and ingredients that are beneficial for health, including delta 3-carene and a-pinene

Some possible benefits to using wintergreen oil include the following:

#1) May Reduce Muscle Strain

Because wintergreen oil contains methyl salicylate, it is thought to have analgesic or pain-relieving benefits. Wintergreen oil may help reduce common aches and pains, such as those caused by muscle strain and arthritis.

#2) Antibacterial Properties

Wintergreen oil may also help decrease bacteria and other microbes. According to the International Journal of Science and Research, wintergreen oil has antimicrobial benefits. Although studies are limited, the oil may be effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and yeast.

#3) Anti-inflammatory Properties

The active ingredient in wintergreen oil may also have anti-inflammatory benefits. It can be used to treat inflammation due to various conditions, such as joint pain.

How to Use Wintergreen Oil

Wintergreen oil can be too harsh if applied undiluted directly to the skin, which may result in irritation. It is best to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying.

A carrier oil is used to dilute an essential oil that may irritate the skin. Various types of carrier oils may be used, including coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil.

Another option is to use a topical cream or ointment that contains wintergreen oil. A topical pain-relieving cream containing this ingredient can be applied to the skin to reduce muscle soreness.

When used in a topical pain-relieving cream, wintergreen oil may help to decrease swelling and inflammation around painful tissues, joints, and muscles. It may be helpful to treat minor aches and pains associated with muscle strains, back pain, and discomfort from arthritis.

Precautions When Using Wintergreen Oil

Whether you are taking an over-the-counter medication, prescription drug, or herbal remedy, it is helpful to be aware of precautions to take.

Wintergreen oil is likely safe for most people to use. But as with all herbal remedies, it is best to talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Since the active ingredient in the oil is related to aspirin, in theory, bleeding is a possible side effect. But in studies, it appeared wintergreen oil caused fewer side effects than taking aspirin.

Still, people that have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication should talk with their doctor before using wintergreen oil. People that have an allergy to aspirin should also avoid wintergreen oil until they talk with their healthcare provider.

The safety of wintergreen oil in women that are pregnant or breastfeeding has not been established. Since some absorption is possible through the skin, it is best to talk with your doctor before using the oil if you are pregnant or nursing.

Wintergreen oil can be toxic if swallowed, especially in large amounts. Even if small amounts of the oil are ingested, it can cause side effects, such as vomiting, headache, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

The Bottom Line

Although it is helpful to understand precautions, wintergreen oil is typically safe when applied to the skin or as an ingredient in a topical cream or ointment. Wintergreen oil may help reduce muscle and joint pain without the side effects of taking aspirin or other oral pain medications.  

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Sources:
https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/healthy-ingredients/wintergreen/
https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(10)00017-2/pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995208/
https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v6i7/ART20175161.pdf