What is Wintergreen?

Wintergreen comes from the leaves of a creeping shrub and is a part of the evergreen family. The Wintergreen I use is wild harvested from the mountains of Nepal. Wintergreen is one of only two plants in the world which produce methyl salicylate! Wintergreen is used in soothing creams, balms, and ointments. With a subtle candy-like flavor and a minty uplifting scent it has become wildly popular.

Some of the most popular benefits of Wintergreen are:

• Relief of joint/muscle discomfort.
• Calming nervous stomach/gas.
• Urinary health.
• Works well to naturally soothe discomfort, helping to relieve bone/muscle aches, and soreness.
• Increasing circulation.

Wintergreen has been used for many years. In fact:

Native Americans brewed a tea from the leaves to alleviate rheumatic symptoms, headache, fever, sore throat, and various aches and pains. These therapeutic effects likely arose because the primary metabolite of methyl salicylate is salicylic acid, a proven NSAID that is also the metabolite of acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as Asprin (1).

Wintergreen - Gaultheria fragrantissima

I personally enjoy adding wintergreen to dandy-oil and applying to sore/tired muscles. The cooling
effect penetrates quickly and almost immediate relief can be felt. I also enjoy diffusing wintergreen with a citrus oil such as wild orange or lime. This creates a spa-like aroma that is invigorating and helps me focus on being in-tune with myself.

The emotional benefits of this oil are focused on surrender. Meaning surrendering the need to control, need to be right, or letting go of that which no longer serves you.

I hope this what is post brought insight into the nature of wintergreen, what it is used for, and how it can help us to let go emotionally.

Please let me know if you have any questions. If you would like to know where I get my wintergreen send me an email.

Thank you for reading and until next time be well!
Kayla

1: Prescription for Herbal Healing