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Botanical Name: Gaultheria
procumbens
Anatomical areas:
Joints and muscles.
Allopathic uses:
Analgesic (mild),
anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antitussive,
astringent, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue,
galactagogue, stimulant.
Indications:
Gout, rheumatic
conditions, muscles stiffness and pain, cellulite,
eczema, acne, blemishes.
Holistic uses:
In Chinese medicine,
earth element. Promotes mental clarity.
Contraindications:
Toxic, irritant and
sensitizing. Topical use only, do not take
internally due to toxicity. Commercial wintergreen
is often made with an artificial base of salicylic
acid and contains methyl salicylate. Check your
source.
Blending:
Top note.
Blends with oregano,
lavender, mints, thyme, ylang ylang, narcissus and
vanilla.
Chemical Components:
Almost 90-98% methyl
salicylate with formaldehyde and gaultheriline,
ketone, secondary alcohol and ester.
Characteristics:
Colorless to
pale yellow, sometimes with pinkish tint. When older
can turn reddish brown and should not be used.
Intense sweet-woody, with a hint of vanillin.
Extraction:
Steam or water
distillation from leaf. Prior to extraction, leaves
are macerated in warm water which releases essential
from which oil is distilled. |
