Description
Wintergreen’s medicinal uses have been widely known for many centuries, particularly by the Native Americans, who used the leaves to help treat respiratory tract infections.
They also chewed the leaves to increase endurance and respiratory capacity, helping them run long distances. Native tribes such as Ojibwes and Mohawks also drank wintergreen tea as a healthful medicinal beverage.
Today, dilutions of wintergreen extract are popularly used as a food flavoring, and it’s also added to gums and toothpaste for its minty flavor. In some cases, its strong scent can also work as a deodorizer to mask foul odors.
Wintergreen oil is still used medicinally today, but take note: it is NOT advisable to use the pure (concentrated) essential oil, as it can be very toxic. Instead, you should dilute a very small amount in a safe carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil.
Diluted wintergreen oil can be applied topically or diffused via a vaporizer. It’s popularly used for treating or relieving certain health conditions. It’s most renowned as a pain reliever for muscular or skeletal problems. In fact, it is usually added to liniments and topical pain relievers.
When used aromatherapeutically (diffused, vaporized or added to a steaming bowl of hot water), wintergreen oil helps relax and uplift your mood. It has powerful, mentally stimulating effects that increase your attentiveness and the vibration of your body.
Its strong aroma can also open, influence and elevate the awareness of your senses, particularly your sensory system.
