Gaultheria oil

Wintergreen oil (Gaultheria Oil) is traditionally extracted from the leaves of the wintergreen plant.The production process involves fermentation of the natural material from the plant. This is followed by distillation to obtain a purer product. The final product consists almost entirely of methyl salicylate, the active ingredient of wintergreen oil.

Benefits of Gaultheria Oil

1. 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, products containing wintergreen oil are often used as an anti-inflammatory and topical pain reliever.

2. Insecticide

Wintergreen oil may also be found in insecticides and repellents. However, research suggests that, when compared to other essential oils, it may be more effective as an insecticide or fumigant than as a repellent.Trusted Source

3. Flavoring and scents

In industry and manufacturing, wintergreen oil is used as a flavoring agent for products such as candies, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. It can also be used as a scent additive.

4. Wintergreen oil has worked against some bacteria

A recent study found that 0.5 percent wintergreen oil had a similar or higher antibacterial activity than a control antibiotic against persistent forms of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme Disease.Trusted Source.The antibacterial effect was diminished or absent at lower concentrations, however.Other studies on Neisseria gonorrhoeae and a Streptococcus species observed no antibacterial activity for wintergreen oil.

5. Wintergreen oil works in dental products

In 2013, a subcommittee of the Food and Drug Administration reviewed methyl salicylate used in over-the-counter dental products that control Plague and gingivitus. Trusted Source Examples of such products include mouth rinses, mouthwashes, and sprays. The subcommittee concluded that methyl salicylate used at a set concentration either by itself or combined with eucalyptol, menthol, and thymol is both safe and effective in these products.

Wintergreen oil should never be swallowed.

How to Use