Wintergreen

[emzoid44]

Anyone use wintergreen? I know it's on the list everyone was taught not to use at college but it is really helpful for muscle and joint aches and pains and wondered how many aromatherapists use it. I know it's important to get the dilution right with this one and for it to only be used locally and not on a large area of the body. What do you find it blends well with as it has quite a strong smell?

 

[SingingPigeon]

So I take it no-one uses it?

 

[Kate M]

Hi Lavandula I have never tried it, as u say it's one of the ones on the list. But have seen recipes that call for wintergreen and I understand it's also good for sinuses. Have yet to buy

 

[payoliola]

There are so many other oils that do the things I need them to that I don't feel the need to experiment with ones that might affect my clients adversely.

 

[Courtney L]

I don't use the oil at present - just considering buying it. I think as aromatherapists, we should use the best oil for the job and if wintergreen is the best oil for muscular aches and pains then i think we should use it - obviously taking in to consideration dilution, area treated, and frequency.

If wintergreen is so hazardous then why is it the main ingredient in over the counter muscle rubs like deep heat? Also why is the essential oil (as well as other oils on the hazardous list such as pennyroyal) still manufactured if they are that dangerous? I definitely think the oils on the list should be used with caution and definitely only by trained aromatherapists.

I trained in aromatherapy with the VTCT holistic therapies diploma and were taught not to use a list of oils but the majority of people who study at degree level or with the IFA are taught about these oils and their safe usage. I think Aromatherapy training needs to be standardised!

 

[arvecar]

I do understand what you mean Lavandua. In the same way I use certain oils neat, when we were (VTCT) trained not to. But I am happy with the oils that I use and there are so many combinations of oils that are good for muscular problems.

I guess the deep heat gels and balms are pre-blended and come with clear usage instructions.

 

[Esther]

In my young day, wintergreen was in any number of remedies for clearing sinuses if you had a cold. You don't see it so much nowadays. Works though

 

[Emma?]

I was IFA trained and we were not advised to use Wintergreen or Pennyroyal, especially the latter which was commonly used years ago to abort babies. We were also just given a list of no no's and it was left at that, our tutor was too busy teaching us about the 65 oils we needed to know about.

If you are tempted to use any oils on your not to use list, it might be a good idea to get hold of its chemical composition, then make an educated decision on whether it is safe to use. Hope that helps

 

[Kags]

Thanks everyone for their suggestions and comments. I will do as you suggest Yvonned and check out the safety data on it.

 

[karmagrl76]

Hi Lavendula

I agree with you about Wintergreen being great in certain conditions and in particular blends.

The main reason we're told not to use the oil is because it is made up 98% of methyl salicylate - which is what is used to make asprin. Methyl salicylate is an natural anti-inflammatory and painkiller and can cause some major side effects and sensitivities in people. As with asprin, this oil should not be used by anyone who has stomach ulcers, is alergic to asprin or asprin based products, kidney problems, liver problems, on warfarin or other blood thinning meds, pregnant women, elderly, children or anyone with immune problems.

I would never use this at any level above 0.5% dilution in a topical blend or balm due to the sensitivity it can cause in some people.

You might find this website helpful: http://www.naha.org/articles/toxicity_myths.htm.

Also, Robert Tisserand's book about Essential oil safety is helpful.

There are very few people in the UK who sell Wintergreen oil at retail amounts. It can be purchased in kilo sizes as it's mostly used by large commercial and manufacturing companies. As with most non-aromatherapy muscle rubs and inhalation oils, they don't always use pure essential oils so even the wintergreen they use is not the "pure" stuff - and they also normally don't use oils in the same high levels that we aromatherapists would use. I presume that this is why oils that we are told are hazardous are still used commercially.

Did you find any other information about the oil?

 

[salt and peppy]

I have this book already and find it very useful.


I also found out that wintergreen should also be avoided if you are already using any medication or topical creams which contain methyl salicylate. It shouldn't be used on large areas of the body (this includes shop bought muscle rubs). Also shouldn't be used if breastfeeding. Not only is it good for aches and pains and inflammation but it is also good for respiratory problems and digestive problems. I still haven't purchased the oil but find it a very interesting one.

 

[Simoneafb]

From anything I have read, such as the above, it is not an oil I would want to use.

Would potentially/theoretically thin the blood. It was used in proprietary things I can remember for about 30 years ago but then so was suphur treacle. These things were both taken off the general market as single items about the same time.

Probably because there are many other oils and blends that are just as good I don't know I would want to bother.

Patchouli

 

[Bambi]

I put together and use a blend of ethanol, methyl salicylate and clove bud as a local analgesic spray for small areas of the body, it is a little smelly but it does work remarkably well on spasming muscles, it allows me to get in and work them after it has been applied for a couple of minutes.