Wintergreen oil comes from the leaves of the wintergreen plant. It may help relieve aches and pain, headaches, or colds, but further scientific research is necessary to determine the full benefits and risks.

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Wintergreen oil is traditionally extracted from the leaves of the wintergreen plant. There are two species that can produce the oil: Gaultheria procumbens, native to North America, and Gaultheria fragrantissima, native to Asia and India.

The production process involves fermenting the plant’s natural material and distilling it to obtain a purer product. The final product consists almost entirely of methyl salicylate, the active ingredient of wintergreen oil.

The natural production of wintergreen oil has declined in favor of creating synthetic methyl salicylate. In some products, synthetic methyl salicylate may appear as one of several types of oils, including wintergreen oil, gaultheria oil, or teaberry oil.

Read on to discover more about wintergreen essential oil, what people use it for, tips for finding quality oil, and its potential benefits and risks.

Disclaimer

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils.

It’s important to talk with your healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

Pain and inflammation relief

The active ingredient in wintergreen oil, methyl salicylate, is closely related to aspirin and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, wintergreen oil products can act as an anti-inflammatory and topical pain reliever.

Wintergreen oil has also been used in traditional medicine for the following conditions:

Insecticide

Manufacturers may also add wintergreen oil to insecticides and repellents. However, research suggests that, compared with other essential oils, it may be more effective as an insecticide or fumigant than a repellent.

Flavoring and scents

In industry and manufacturing, wintergreen oil is a flavoring agent for candies, toothpaste, and mouthwashes and a scent additive.

Many of the stated benefits or uses of wintergreen oil stem from anecdotal evidence, which means they’re heavily based on personal testimony.

There’s limited research on the potential health benefits of wintergreen oil and its active ingredient, methyl salicylate.

Pain

Research into wintergreen oil or methyl salicylate as a topical pain reliever has shown mixed results, although it has been suggested as a potential alternative treatment for easing lower back pain.

A 2022 study of 3,515 people found that methyl salicylate liniment helped ease soft tissue pain in the shoulders, neck, back, and muscles.

Bacteria

Wintergreen oil may protect against microbial activity, which includes bacteria that can cause diseases such as strep throat or salmonella.

Dental products

Manufacturers may include wintergreen oil or methyl salicylate in dental products, such as mouthwash, for its antiplaque and antigingivitis properties.

Methyl salicylate can be toxic if a person ingests it, so you should always take care when using wintergreen oil.

Take particular care around children, as wintergreen oil has an attractive scent. Avoid using wintergreen oil on children, and always keep it in a childproof bottle, which is out of reach.

Because methyl salicylate absorbs through the skin, a negative reaction can occur when you apply it topically. Never apply essential oil to the skin without diluting it in a carrier oil first.

People who should avoid using it include:

  • children
  • people who are pregnant or nursing
  • people who are taking anticoagulant or blood-thinning drugs
  • people who have a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia
  • people who are allergic to aspirin
  • those intending it for aromatherapy

Signs of poisoning if ingested include:

Get help

If you suspect poisoning, seek immediate medical attention. Call your local poison control center, 911, or local emergency services.

Treatments may include administering sodium bicarbonate as an antidote, dialysis, and supportive care.

Interacts with warfarin

Wintergreen oil or methyl salicylate can also exacerbate the effects of anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin. This can cause bleeding or hemorrhaging.

Individuals who are taking blood-thinning drugs or who have bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, should not use wintergreen oil.

Because wintergreen oil is absorbable through the skin, people who are pregnant or nursing should never use it.

Remember that wintergreen oil is for external use only. It’s a strong essential oil that is absorbable through the skin, so be sure to dilute it.

Dilute essential oils in a carrier substance, such as grapeseed or jojoba oil. Always follow appropriate dilution guidelines.

When making a solution with wintergreen oil, it should only make up 2% to 3% of the final solution volume, according to the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies.

For a 2.5% dilution, try mixing 15 drops of wintergreen essential oil with 6 teaspoons (1 fluid ounce) of carrier oil.

If you choose to make a solution with wintergreen oil and other essential oils, wintergreen oil may blend well with peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oils.

Due to the potential for toxicity when ingested and limited evidence of its efficacy in aromatherapy, wintergreen oil isn’t for use in aromatherapy, such as in a room diffuser.

The active ingredient in wintergreen oil, methyl salicylate, can be chemically synthesized. The name “wintergreen oil” is interchangeable with synthetic methyl salicylate.

Follow these tips to make sure that you select high quality, plant-derived wintergreen oil:

  • Check for the Latin name of the plant: This can help you verify that you’re selecting the specific essential oil you want.
  • Look for information about purity: Some companies mix essential oils with others and may not be 100% pure.
  • Evaluate the price: It may not be the real deal if it seems cheap compared with other products.
  • Give it a smell: Does it smell like you expect it to? If not, don’t buy it.

Wintergreen oil is an essential oil traditionally derived from the leaves of the wintergreen plant. The active ingredient, methyl salicylate, can be chemically synthesized and is referred to as wintergreen oil in many products.

Over the years, wintergreen oil has been used for various health-related purposes, including for aches and pains, inflammation, and tooth decay.

Many of the health benefits of wintergreen oil are currently based on anecdotal evidence. More research is necessary to assess the health benefits of this essential oil.