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If you are looking for an essential oil that has a fresh, minty scent, then wintergreen essential oil is a great option to consider. Give this oil a try in these wintergreen diffuser blends.
Wintergreen essential oil has been used in products designed to relieve pain and inflammation, like pain relief blends. It is also known to be a powerful antiseptic, making it a commonly used ingredient in mouthwashes, chewing gum, and toothpastes.
Here we will explore the diverse benefits that wintergreen essential oil provides, from invigorating your senses to creating a calming environment. Each wintergreen blend is crafted to deliver unique benefits, whether it’s easing respiratory issues or simply refreshing your space.
Additionally, we’ll cover essential safety tips to ensure you can enjoy using wintergreen oil safely and effectively.
Wintergreen Essential Oil Facts
The wintergreen plant has been used medicinally by Native Americans for centuries. The name "wintergreen" comes from the fact that the plant stays green all winter long. Nowadays, this characteristic is more frequently described using the term evergreen.
Wintergreen possesses a powerful "minty" aroma, but Gaultheria species are not true mints, as true mints are classified under the Mentha genus. This oil not only provides natural relief for muscle pain but also has properties that support respiratory health.
Wintergreen comes with some safety precautions to take note of below.
- Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens
- Botanical Family: Ericaceae
- Aroma: Sweet, minty, fresh
- Extraction Method: Steam distilled
- Plant Part Used: Leaves
- Blending Note: Middle to Top
- Max Adult Dilution: 2.4%
- Shelf Life: 4-5 years
- OK for Kids: No, not recommended for children
- OK for Pregnancy: No, not recommended
Safety Concern
Keep out of the reach of children and pets, it may smell like candy to them causing them to ingest it which is toxic!!
Wintergreen contains methyl salicylate, which can be toxic in large amounts; avoid use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and with young children. Not safe for internal use.
The optimal dilution for wintergreen essential oil is up to 2.4%, which equates to about 14 drops per ounce of carrier oil. Get our printable essential oil dilution chart.
*Wintergreen may prevent platelets from clumping together and can intensify blood-thinning effects. Avoid usage around surgery times, while on anticoagulants (like coumadin), or if you have bleeding disorders or a sensitivity to salicylates, as there may be potential drug interactions.
Spearmint vs Peppermint vs Wintergreen
Spearmint, peppermint, and wintergreen are three distinct essential oils often used in aromatherapy and personal care products, each offering unique benefits and characteristics.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) has a sweet and mild aroma, making it a milder alternative to peppermint, with a high content of carvone giving it a softer peppermint scent. It's often used for digestive support and to invigorate the mind without the intense menthol sensation.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is more robust, with a high menthol content, which provides a strong, cooling sensation and energizing aroma. It is widely recognized for its ability to enhance respiratory function, alleviate headaches, and soothe muscle pain.
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), not from the mint family, possesses a sweet, minty, and fresh aroma due to its high methyl salicylate content, which offers anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties commonly used in pain relief applications. However, wintergreen must be used with caution due to its potent nature and potential toxicity in large amounts.
Understanding the differences between these oils can help in choosing the right one for specific therapeutic or aromatic needs.
Wintergreen Essential Oil Diffuser Benefits
Wintergreen essential oil has a refreshing, minty scent that is invigorating and uplifting. It is also one of the most versatile essential oils, blending well with a wide range of other oils.
- It can be used to create a refreshing blending when mixing it with peppermint and eucalyptus oils.
- Wintergreen oil can also be used in diffusers to help clear congestion and promote easy breathing.
- When diffused with citrus oils like lemon or grapefruit, wintergreen oil can also help to boost energy levels and improve focus.
- When combined with lavender oil, it can help to disinfect the air and leave your home smelling fresh and clean.
As you can see, wintergreen essential oil is a versatile and powerful oil that can be used in many different ways.
Wintergreen Essential Oil Emotional Benefits
Wintergreen oil has many therapeutic benefits. It can be used aromatically to enhance emotional and spiritual well-being. It helps us to let go and surrender control while trusting the flow of life.
It is good for micro-managing, arrogance, and lack of trust for others. It , as well as our spiritual understanding. Think about stress, tension, holding on too tightly and the physical pain it can cause.
Emotional benefits of wintergreen essential oil include:
- Feelings of being relaxed and grounded
- Decreased feelings of anxiousness and tension
- Improved ability to concentrate
- Allows us to let go of old beliefs and pains
Wintergreen essential oil is derived from the leaves of the plant. When applied topically, wintergreen oil can help to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. When used in aromatherapy, this essential oil can help to improve mental clarity and focus.
In addition, wintergreen essential oil has a refreshing, minty scent that can help to boost energy levels and improve mood.
Wintergreen Essential Oil Blends Well With
Wintergreen essential oil is a popular choice for aromatherapy due to its refreshing, minty scent. It can also be used to create massage oil blends, homemade perfumes and colognes, and diffuser blends.
Diffuse 30 minutes to 1 hour at a time, read more about how long to diffuse oils.
When used in moderation, wintergreen oil can add a pleasant, cooling sensation to blends. When used in excess, however, it can overwhelming and harsh. As a result, it is important to exercise caution when blending with this oil.
Some essential oils that blend well with wintergreen include:
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Tea tree
- Lavender
- Chamomile
When used together, these oils can create a refreshing, invigorating blend. If you are looking for a more mellow blend, consider adding lavender or chamomile.
Wintergreen oil can also be used to add a touch of sweetness to blends. When paired with citrus oils such as lemon or grapefruit, wintergreen oil can help to create a bright, uplifting scent.
Wintergreen Diffuser Blends
Wintergreen Diffuser Blends are a great way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without having to apply them topically. Simply add a few drops of Wintergreen essential oil to your diffuser, sit back, and relax.
You can also mix Wintergreen with other essential oils, such as Lavender or Chamomile, to create your own custom diffuser blend.
I like to use a 100-200 ml water tank diffuser, but you can use whatever size you prefer. It is best to diffuse in 30-minute intervals as to not overwhelm the space and your senses. Read more about diffusing essential oils.
1. Healing Diffuser Blend with Wintergreen
There's nothing like coming home to a relaxing, healing diffuser blend. The perfect way to unwind after a long day, this healing blend can help you uplift you emotions and possibly help you to drift off into a restful sleep.
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 3 drops Geranium
- 2 drops Wintergreen
2. Hypnotic Diffuser Blend
Looking for a blend to help you relax before bedtime or one to use during meditation? Breathe in deep - it's time to relax and let the hypnotic effects of essential oils work their magic. Lavender and sandalwood essential oils are known for their calming properties, they make this wintergreen diffuser blend an easy and natural way to promote relaxation.
- 4 drops Sandalwood essential oil
- 2 drops Lavender essential oil
- 1 drop Wintergreen essential oil
3. Winter Warmth Diffuser Blend
Wintergreen essential oil blends well with spice oils, such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Try diffusing this DIY recipe for winter warmth.
- 3 drops Wintergreen oil
- 2 drops Cinnamon Leaf oil (or Bark)
- 2 drops Nutmeg oil
4. Man Cave Blend
This oil blend that features a combination of favorite manly scents like cypress and wintergreen. This diffuser blend creates a woodsy and masculine atmosphere.
- 2 drops Cypress
- 2 drops Wintergreen
- 2 drops Balsam Fir
- 2 drops Blue Spruce
5. Candy Cane Lane
Create a refreshing, invigorating scent that's a sweet treat. Wintergreen and peppermint essential oil has a variety of benefits, including boosting energy levels and aiding in concentration. The Vanilla and cinnamon add a warm and sweet fragrance to the blend.
- 2 drops Peppermint
- 2 drops Wintergreen
- 2 drops Vanilla
- 1 drop Cinnamon
6. Alpine
Experience a refreshing and invigorating aroma that combines the crispness of wintergreen, the uplifting citrus notes of bergamot, and the grounding warmth of cedarwood. This blend rejuvenates the senses, promotes mental clarity, and brings a touch of the serene alpine wilderness into your space.
- 3 drops Bergamot
- 3 drops Wintergreen
- 2 drop Cedarwood
7. Refreshmint
Enjoy a revitalizing burst of freshness with this blend, featuring the cooling sensation of eucalyptus, the crispness of peppermint, and a hint of wintergreen. This combination creates an invigorating and rejuvenating ambiance, perfect for clearing your mind and uplifting your spirits.
- 5 drops Eucalyptus
- 3 drops Peppermint
- 1 drop Wintergreen
8. Refreshing
This blend offers a revitalizing and invigorating aroma, with the cool, crisp scent of peppermint complemented by the grounding, woody notes of arborvitae, and the refreshing hint of wintergreen. It creates an uplifting and rejuvenating ambiance, perfect for clearing the mind and energizing any space.
- 3 drops Peppermint
- 2 drops Arborvitae
- 2 drops Wintergreen
9. Into the Woods
Immerse yourself in the earthy tranquility of a pristine forest with this blend. The fresh, woody scent of cypress pairs seamlessly with the revitalizing aroma of wintergreen and the crisp, invigorating notes of fir, creating a refreshing and grounding atmosphere reminiscent of nature's embrace.
- 2 drops Cypress
- 2 drops Wintergreen
- 2 drops Fir (any type)
10. Root Beer Float
Indulge in a nostalgic treat with this delightful blend. The sweet and vibrant combination of wintergreen and vanilla evokes the classic, creamy sensation of a beloved root beer float, filling your space with a warm, comforting aroma.
- 3 drops Wintergreen
- 3 drops Vanilla
Wintergreen Essential Oil Substitutes
Here are some essential oils that can serve as substitute oils for Wintergreen essential oil, along with reasons why they are good alternatives:
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita): Peppermint oil contains menthol, which provides a similar cooling and invigorating sensation. It is also effective in relieving muscle pain and headaches, making it a versatile alternative to wintergreen.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): Eucalyptus oil has strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, similar to wintergreen. Its fresh, camphoraceous aroma is also ideal for respiratory support and can help with pain relief.
Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora): Camphor oil shares many of wintergreen's pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities. Its potent cooling effect makes it effective for sore muscles and joint pain.
Birch (Betula lenta): Birch oil contains high levels of methyl salicylate, just like wintergreen, giving it similar analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is an excellent alternative for relieving muscle and joint discomfort. Birch oil has a similar sweet and minty scent, making it a good alternative for those who enjoy the refreshing aroma of wintergreen.
It's important to note that birch essential oil should be used with caution as it can be strong and potentially irritating to the skin if not properly diluted. As always, it is recommended to do a patch test before using any new essential oil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wintergreen Oil
What is Wintergreen essential oil good for?
Wintergreen essential oil is a powerful remedy that offers a multitude of benefits. Just a small amount can go a long way. When applied topically, it works wonders in relieving pain and soreness while promoting muscle recovery.
Its anti-inflammatory properties also provide relief for joint discomfort. If diffused, Wintergreen can help soothe headaches and migraines. On top of that, its minty aroma has a refreshing and energizing effect.
What is the difference between Wintergreen and Peppermint?
The main difference between wintergreen and peppermint lies in their flavor and aroma profiles. Wintergreen has a sweet and minty scent with a hint of fruity notes, while peppermint is characterized by its strong, cool, and refreshing minty scent.
Additionally, wintergreen is derived from a plant called Gaultheria procumbens, whereas peppermint comes from the Mentha piperita plant.
How can Wintergreen essential oil be used for pain relief?
Wintergreen oil is renowned for its remarkable ability to soothe pain and reduce inflammation. To use it for this purpose, dilute it to a 2% concentration by combining 12 drops of Wintergreen with 1 ounce of carrier oil or unscented lotion.
Alternatively, you can add 2 drops to a 10 ml roll-on bottle and then fill it up with carrier oil. Apply this mixture topically to the affected area.
For headaches, simply diffuse 6 drops of Wintergreen per 100 ml of water in an essential oil diffuser.
Is it safe to ingest Wintergreen essential oil?
Ingesting Wintergreen essential oil is NOT recommended, regardless of the brand. Ingestion can lead to adverse reactions, such as medication contraindications, irritation of the mucous membranes, sensitization, nausea, or worse.
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances, so it's important to use them sparingly. The most effective ways to utilize them are through inhalation and topical use. If you have a desire to take essential oils internally, it is strongly advised to consult with a knowledgeable professional who has experience in internal use.
Is Wintergreen essential oil safe to use?
Yes, Wintergreen essential oil is safe when used as directed. It is important to note that it should not be used at concentrations higher than 2.4%, which translates to 14 drops of Wintergreen per ounce of carrier oil.
Wintergreen has the potential to inhibit platelet aggregation. Individuals taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin, aspirin, heparin, etc, as well as those with hemophilia, bleeding disorders, and those who have recently undergone or are about to undergo surgery, should avoid using Wintergreen.
Due to these precautions, it is also not recommended for use by young children or by individuals who are pregnant or nursing.