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Whenever you think of natural remedies to treat your health and beauty concerns, the first thing that comes to your mind is an essential oil. Essential Oils are the potent natural oils which are extracted from the plant parts. These essential oils are loaded with incredible properties which are beneficial for your overall wellness as well as for enhancing your beauty. Today we are going to discuss one such essential oil - the Wintergreen Oil which has incredible health benefits. Keep reading to know how this wonderful natural oil has proved its mettle in treating various health conditions.
What Is Wintergreen Oil?
Wintergreen Oil also known as Gaultheria Oil and is derived from the leaves of Wintergreen herb also known as Teaberry, Checker Berry and Partridge Berry. This plant comes under the category of evergreen plants because it continues with the process of photosynthesis even during the winter season, giving a bright green colour to the leaves throughout the year. Wintergreen Oil is of immense therapeutic value and has been used by aboriginal tribes of North Americans in treating various respiratory conditions and also used as a pain reliever. They chewed the leaves of Wintergreen Oil to reduce fever and to prevent infections. They were known to prepare a poultice of leaves of Wintergreen Oil to relieve soreness, pain and inflammation.
It has got a sweet, minty and a woody aroma which acts as an energy booster, controls mood swings and has an invigorating effect on the body. The colour of Wintergreen Oil may range from pinkish to reddish shade and is mainly composed of Menthyl salicylate.
Also Read : Ingredients In Depth - Wintergreen Oil
How Is Wintergreen Oil Beneficial To You?
Wintergreen Oil is known to exhibit analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties due to which it has proved to be very effective in treating muscular aches, bruises, sores and in reducing joint pains, swelling and cramps. Wintergreen Oil is well known for its energizing effect and its immune-boosting property. Whenever you have a tough day and you really feel tired and depressed, you can reach out for Wintergreen Oil, as it helps to uplift your mood and controls mood swings.
Whenever you find yourself struggling with muscle pain or joint pain, you can rely on Wintergreen Oil as its anti-inflammatory property has a soothing effect on the inflamed muscles and joints. Wintergreen Oil also helps improve blood circulation. Because of its healing properties, Wintergreen Oil is increasingly being used in many pain balms. Wintergreen Oil has its own share of beauty benefits also. Let’s explore the benefits of Wintergreen Oil.
1. Muscle Pain Reliever
Wintergreen Oil exhibits analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties due to which it is very effective in reducing the pain and swelling in muscles, joints and tissues. Just like peppermint oil, Wintergreen Oil is also considered to be Counterirritants. Wintergreen Oil is also known to be very effective in treating lower back pain, chronic neck pain and sore muscles.
2. Exhibits Antibacterial And Antiviral Properties
Wintergreen Oil is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties due to which it is effective against various kinds of infections. It effectively combats any bacterial, fungal or viral growth in and around your house. You can use a small amount of it in your dishwasher to clean your utensils or laundry cleaner to disinfect your clothes and to get rid of any mould lingering around. It adds a pleasant and refreshing fragrance to your clothes.
3. Digestive Relief
Wintergreen Oil can be used in trace amounts to improve digestion by increasing stomach acids and juices. It is also effective in treating cramps, stomach aches, gas and bloating. Wintergreen Oil is known to be diuretic in nature which helps to increase urine production and simultaneously helps to cleanse the digestive tract and provide relief from bloating. Take a small amount of Wintergreen Oil and rub it over your stomach, abdomen and lower back to improve blood circulation and provide relief from stomach ache, cramps and bloating.
4. Effective In Treating Cold And Flu
Wintergreen Oil is known to exhibit analgesic property due to which it is very effective in treating symptoms of cold and flu. It is known to give you relief from pain, swelling, congestion and fever. Combine Wintergreen Oil, Coconut Oil and other beneficial oils like Eucalyptus Oil or Bergamot Oil and rub this mixture on your chest and lower back to help open your nasal passages and give relief from congestion.
Also Read : How to Use Eucalyptus Oil for Cold Relief
5. Effective In Treating Various Skin And Hair Conditions
Wintergreen Oil exhibits astringent and antiseptic properties due to which it is very effective in treating various skins and hair conditions. Its anti-inflammatory property helps to soothe the irritated and inflamed skin due to acne and pimples. It has a soothing effect of the dry, itchy and flaky scalp. Its antibacterial property helps to clear acne as well as scalp infections. Add 1 or 2 drops of it to your regular face wash and you can use it on your scalp by diluting Wintergreen Oil with Coconut Oil and apply evenly on your scalp, to have a problem-free scalp. A healthy scalp ensures the growth of healthy hair.
6. Works As Energy Booster
Wintergreen has a woody, sweet and minty aroma which is quite energizing and has a refreshing effect on your mind. You can inhale wintergreen oil before a workout to increase your stamina and concentration. It also helps to extend respiratory capacity, provides relief from muscle fatigue, treats pain and inflammation.
In order to overcome symptoms of fatigue, tiredness and sleepiness, dab a few drops of diluted Wintergreen Oil on your wrist, neck and chest. Diffuse Wintergreen Oil in a diffuser and inhaling its vapors help to open up your nasal passage, provide relief from congestion, improve blood circulation and relieve pain related to muscles and joints.
How To Incorporate Wintergreen Oil In My Daily Life?
Wintergreen Oil has many health and beauty benefits due to which it is widely used in many health supplements, in many skincare and haircare products. Wintergreen Oil has a minty and refreshing fragrance which is quite similar to peppermint oil, due to which it is used in a variety of food, in aromatherapy, in pain balms and many beauty products. Wintergreen Oil is a must-have product in your house as it can be useful in your day to day life. Let’s peep in and have a closer look at some of the common uses of Wintergreen Oil.
Used In Aromatherapy
The sweet, woody and minty fragrance of Wintergreen Oil is known to have a refreshing and rejuvenating effect on your mind and body. It has an invigorating effect on your mood and eliminates symptoms of tiredness, stress, anxiety and fatigue by relaxing your nerves and body muscles. Wintergreen Oil also acts as an energy booster.
Add 3-4 drops of Wintergreen Oil in your diffuser and enjoy its refreshing and invigorating fragrance to rejuvenate your mind and body. This simple method is known to be very useful in fighting stress, anxiety, increasing concentration and endurance during a workout.
Also Read : What is Aromatherapy - Benefits, Oils & more
Used In Cosmetics
Wintergreen Oil is extensively used in many skincare and haircare products. It is used in creams, body lotions, face washes and moisturizers because wintergreen oil is known to provide an even skin tone, by diminishing dark spots, scars and blemishes, fights against acne and pimples. Its astringent property helps to tighten your skin making it look more firm and youthful. Wintergreen Oil helps fight dandruff and itchy scalp because of its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
For topical application, it is recommended to mix 1 part of wintergreen oil with 4 parts of carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil. Mix well and apply onto your face and neck. Wash off with warm water after 15 minutes.
If you are looking forward to applying wintergreen oil on your hair, then simply add 2-3 drops of wintergreen oil to your regular shampoo to have a healthy, shiny and bouncy hair.
Used Medicinally
Wintergreen Oil is known to improve blood circulation, pushes out toxic waste from the body, enhances metabolism and digestion, provides relief from muscle soreness and joint pain, provides relief from the symptoms of cold and flu. Wintergreen Oil is the main constituent in many pain balms as its stimulating effect helps to temporarily numb the painful areas and at the same time gives a feeling of warmth. This effect prevents the toxins from gathering at one particular place in the body, thus making it easier for the body to get rid of these toxins.
- Add 1-2 drops of Wintergreen Oil to 4 tablespoons of Coconut Oil and massage gently on the painful areas to get relief from red swollen and inflamed joints and from muscle soreness.
- Alternatively, you can massage this mixture onto your stomach, abdomen and lower back to improve digestion and provide relief from cramps and bloating.
- Diluted Wintergreen Oil when applied on chest, lower neck and back provides relief from cough, chest and nasal congestion. It is known to make breathing easier and also induces better sleep.
Used In Massages
Wintergreen Oil is used in comforting massages because of its rejuvenating and mood invigorating properties. It helps the body muscles to relax and rejuvenates the exhausted muscles. Its analgesic property provides relief from headaches, joint pain, backache.
Take 1 part of Wintergreen Oil and mix it with 4 parts of suitable carrier oil and massage gently on the preferred area of the body to stimulate your muscles and nerves and you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Always remember that Wintergreen Oil is potent in nature, hence should be used sparingly. Use it with care to harness all the benefits of Wintergreen Oil.
Potential Side Effects Of Wintergreen Oil
For topical application, it is always recommended that you dilute it with a suitable carrier oil. Always do a patch test to check for any allergic reactions, if you are using it for the first time. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using Wintergreen Oil. Do not apply Wintergreen Oil on an open wound. Avoid contact with eyes, ears and nose. People with any health conditions should seek a physicians advice before using Wintergreen Oil.
Wintergreen Oil should be used in moderation. A high dose can prove to be toxic. It can aggravate skin sensitivities like redness, swelling and itchy skin. Other side effects include headache, heartburn, flushing, mouth sores, acid reflux.
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