Follow these tips: Wintergreen oil is an essential oil that’s traditionally derived from the leaves of the wintergreen plant. The leaves are also beneficial for preventing and treating digestion problems, including stomachaches, cramps, gas and bloating. Wintergreen is safe in the amounts found in foods, and seems safe for most adults when used as a medicine. Research done by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Long Island University found that that methyl salicylate from typical ointment bases and several commercial products worked differently on pain, with more concentrated forms (such as pure wintergreen oil) producing the most effects. Today, it’s commonly used for reducing other painful conditions, too; for example, wintergreen is used as a natural headache remedy, for chronic nerve pain, PMS symptoms and arthritis. Wintergreen is an herb and its oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant. It’s also helpful for clearing up acne since it can be used to kill germs on the skin. Other studies on Neisseria gonorrhoeae and a Streptococcus species observed no antibacterial activity for wintergreen oil.Cybulska P, et al. Results showed strong induction of defense markers after the treatment with wintergreen oil and reduction in inflammation and infection. Wintergreen oil is made by steam processing of warmed, water-soaked wintergreen leaves. It’s a very strong essential oil and can be absorbed through the skin, so it should never be applied undiluted. It’s one of the best sources of this inflammation-fighting compound in the world and believed to be one of only several plants that naturally supply enough to form an extract. (2015). Records show that Native Americans used wintergreen leaves to increase stamina, alertness and endurance during exercise since it can help extend respiratory capacity and treat pain, mucus buildup or inflammation. Wintergreen leaf is used for painful conditions including headache, nerve pain (particularly sciatica), arthritis, ovarian pain, and menstrual cramps. We can also call this plant evergreen plant. Comprehensive studies led to the identification of 35 different polyphenols with procyanidin A-type trimer, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, isomers of caffeoylquinic acids and epicatechin being the dominant components. When applied directly to the skin, wintergreen oil … Also sometimes called eastern teaberry, checkerberry or gaultheria oil, wintergreen has been used for centuries by tribes native to North America to help cure fatigue, lung, sinus and respiratory illnesses. Throat chakra problems can also lead to…, If you’d like to work with a provider with a whole-body approach, a holistic doctor may be an option. In many cases, the name “wintergreen oil” can be used interchangeably with synthetic methyl salicylate. This oil is an analgesic, carminative, diuretic, antiseptics, aromatic, astringent, anti-arthritic, and others. You can run some through your dishwasher or laundry machine to kill odor-causing bacteria and molds that can linger, or scrub some into your showers and toilet bowls. Oil of wintergreen, derived from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens, is a volatile oil used as a flavouring for candies and chewing gum and in the treatment of muscular aches and pains. Birch essential oil also contains methyl salicylate and therefore has similar tension-reducing benefits and uses. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. Other beneficial oils to include in this blend in order to treat or prevent the common cold or flu are eucalyptus, peppermint and bergamot oils. Aside from fighting pain, other evidence shows that wintergreen is a powerful fighter of free radical damage and oxidative damage. To unwind and relieve muscle tension, applying pure wintergreen oil mixed along with lavender oil to either a warm bath or ice bath serves as a great muscle relaxer. Wintergreen is an herb. [4] You can also dab some along with a carrier oil on your neck, chest and wrists to fight symptoms of sleepiness or to help overcome chronic fatigue syndrome. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. Try using wintergreen essential oil in these simple and effective homemade recipes: This homemade muscle rub really works to penetrate deep into the muscles, bringing a soothing and relaxing sensation. Read on to discover more about wintergreen essential oil, what it’s used for, tips to find quality oil, and the potential benefits and risks associated with use. Dr. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world...Sign up to get VIP access to his eBooks and valuable weekly health tips for FREE! Wintergreen can be very dangerous and even fatal if swallowed. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) In wintergreen. When your throat chakra is blocked or misaligned, you may have issues with creativity and communication. Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen or wintergreen oil) is an organic compound with the formula C 6 H 4 (OH)(CO 2 CH 3). ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995208/, fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/DevelopmentResources/Over-the-CounterOTCDrugs/StatusofOTCRulemakings/UCM096081.pdf, Risks of wintergreen essential oil and methyl salicylate, 4 tips to find good quality essential oil, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Some health care practitioners do use wintergreen as an internal supplement, but it’s best to do so carefully under supervision to avoid using too much or an impure product. DOI:10.1097/YCT.0b013e318245c640. The plant belongs to the genus Gaultheria that are commonly known as wintergreen. Wintergreen leaves contain an aspirin-like chemical that can help reduce pain, congestion, swelling and fever associated with common illnesses. Many people have reported no unwanted side effects when consuming it, but each person is different. Wintergreen oil is an extremely potent liquid form of methyl salicylate (98% methyl salicylate w/w).Chyka 2007 It is produced by macerating wintergreen leaves in warm water, followed by steam distillation.Khan 2010 During the process, gaultherin is enzymatically hydrolyzed to methyl salicylate.Howrie 1985, Simon 1984, Spoerke 1980 The yield of wintergreen oil from the leaves ranges from 0.5% to 0.8%.Khan 2… Read to know the benefits of wintergreen oil. Wintergreen essential oil is a yellow or pale pink liquid, with a particular sweet-woody, camphorated and hot aroma, which possesses multiple medicinal properties for our health. Chances are the product included peppermint or wintergreen oils because both are considered “counterirritants.” Wintergreen oil works to reduce swelling and irritation that occurs around painful muscle, tissue and joints. Looking for a natural remedy for the flu? In commercial food and beverage manufacturing, wintergreen is used as a natural flavoring agent in certain minty-tasting foods, candies and teas. Find out which essential oils you can use for anxiety symptoms. Make sure you can tolerate wintergreen oil well before using it internally or on larger parts of your body. Wintergreen essential oil is traditionally derived from the wintergreen oil plant. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. Wintergreen, any of several evergreen, aromatic plants of the heath family (Ericaceae). The main chemical component in Wintergreen, methyl salicylate, is used in topical creams and massage blends because of its soothing properties. Massage gently onto the affected are until completely absorbed. You can also make homemade mint tea by adding one to two drops to warm water, which improves digestion and helps relieve bloating after a big meal. Place jar in saucepan and allow contents to melt. Wintergreen essential oil is traditionally derived from the wintergreen plant. In some products, synthetic methyl salicylate may appear as one of several types of oils, including wintergreen oil, gaultheria oil, or teaberry oil. One way to use some at home is to simply add one to two drops to your favorite green smoothie recipes to cut the taste of bitter greens. One 2002 case study reported acute toxicity in a man receiving a topical methyl salicylate treatment for psoriasis.Bell AJ, et al. (2002). The taste and smell of mint can help reduce cravings and signify satiety, which is why many people find it comforting to chew minty gum after a meal or between meals. Since it helps combat bacterial growth, viruses and fungi, use wintergreen around your home or on your body to remove dangerous contaminants. Particular care should be taken around children, who may be attracted to wintergreen oil by its scent. Over the years, wintergreen oil has been used for a variety of health-related purposes, including for aches and pains, inflammation, and tooth decay. Here are 14 practical ways to use tea tree oil safely and…. And because wintergreen oil can help fight inflammation, it’s effective for helping treat a wide variety of illnesses — everything from respiratory issues like asthma, colds and flu, kidney problems, and even heart disease. For a 2.5 percent dilution, try mixing 15 drops of wintergreen essential oil with 6 teaspoons (1 fluid ounce) of carrier oil. Treatment of post-electroconvulsive therapy headache with topical methyl salicylate. Methyl salicylate is an ester commonly added in ointments to help with acute topical pain. Wintergreen is absorbed into skin quickly and acts like a natural numbing agent, similar to cortisone. Wintergreen oil is made by steam processing of warmed, water -soaked wintergreen leaves. Once steeped in in warm water, beneficial enzymes within wintergreen leaves called methyl salicylates are released, which are then concentrated into an easy-to-use extract formula using steam distillation. (2012). If you feel the afternoon munchies coming on or the tendency to overeat, try sniffing wintergreen oil or gargling it in your mouth. In fact, a single teaspoon of methyl salicylate is roughly equivalent to 90 baby aspirin tablets.Seneviratne MP, et al. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that may have benefits for skin, hair and nails. There are two species that can be used to produce the oil: Gaultheria procumbens (native to North America) and Gaultheria fragrantissima (native to Asia and India). Wintergreen essential oil can penetrate deep within the body it can increase the vibration of the body and enhancing sound on all levels. Wintergreen Essential Oil is typically comprised of at least 96% methyl salicylate, an ester that can be toxic when not used with great care. Oil of wintergreen, derived from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens, is a volatile oil used as a flavouring for candies and chewing gum and in the treatment of muscular aches and pains.The active ingredient, methyl salicylate, is also synthesized and sold as oil of… Read More Call your local poison control center, 911, or local emergency services. DOI:doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2010.01.016, Additionally, a case study from 2012 found that topical application of methyl salicylate provided headache relief to an individual who had severe headaches following electroconvulsive therapy.Logan CJ, et al. The effectiveness of the topically applied product depends on the release of the drug and the dosage form. The health benefits of wintergreen essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an analgesic, anodyne, antirheumatic, antiarthritic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue and a stimulating substance.. Birch oil, being almost identical, is a good substitute, but … (2010). Definition of oil of wintergreen : the methyl ester of salicylic acid that is used as a flavoring and as a counterirritant First Known Use of oil of wintergreen circa 1850, … Wintergreen oil can be used in small doses to increase stomach acid and juices that help improve digestion. Treatments may include administering sodium bicarbonate as an antidote, dialysis, and supportive care. The active ingredient in wintergreen oil, methyl salicylate, is closely related to aspirin and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. A review of several clinical trials of topical salicylates, one of which included methyl salicylate, didn’t find support for their use for musculoskeletal pain.Derry S, et al. The antibacterial effect was diminished or absent at lower concentrations, however. As a primary source of methyl salicylate, a lipophilic liquid that is commonly used as a natural analgesic, counterirritant and rubifacient ingredient in commercially marketed over-the-counter dermatological products, wintergreen has the most researched benefits in regard to pain management and numbing skin and sore muscles. It also promotes blood circulation and cools irritation, which is comforting to swollen skin. More commonly known as wintergreen, this plant grows in North America and has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. The oil is UNSAFE to take by mouth. Methyl salicylate, the active ingredient in wintergreen oil, can be toxic, so care should always be taken when using wintergreen oil. Extracts of Canadian first nations medicinal plants, used as natural products, inhibit Neisseria gonorrhoeae with different antibiotic resistance profiles. Look for wintergreen oil that smells strong and pungent, but not unpleasant or sour. Wintergreen … The odor alone will do that-it brings us back to our primal state in other words. Wintergreen oil is mostly composed of methyl salicylate (90 to 98 percent), which accounts for almost all the healing and health-promoting properties of this essential oil. The production involves fermentation of natural material from the plant. 30 Gluten-Free Recipes & detox juicing guide. We'll show you 10 essential oils that can fight the flu and how to use them. Pour mixture into metal tins or storage containers and allow to set. Native to North America, especially cooler parts of the Northeast United States and Canada, wintergreen trees that produce bright red berries can be found growing freely throughout forests. The final product is pure methyl salicylate that is an active ingredient of wintergreen oil. It’s considered a natural mild diuretic and increases urine production, which can help cleanse the digestive tract and reduce bloating. Research shows that wintergreen oil has the ability to act like a natural analgesic (pain reducer), antiarthritic, antiseptic and astringent. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD007403.pub3 The authors indicated that larger, better quality trials need to be performed to assess efficacy. Potential Wintergreen Oil Side Effects and Interactions, pain management and numbing skin and sore muscles, high levels of inflammation-fighting antioxidants, high levels of very powerful methyl salicylate, Basil Essential Oil Fights Bacteria, Colds & Bad Odor, 8 Frankincense Essential Oil Uses and Benefits for Healing, Top 5 Anti-Aging Oils, Including Top Essential & Carrier Oils, Oregano Oil Benefits for Infections, Fungus & Even the Common Cold, Bible Oils: 12 Most Revered Oils and Their Historic Uses, Top 15 Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits, for Gut Health, Headaches & More, Essential Oils: 11 Main Benefits and 101 Uses, Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Hair, Digestion, Inflammation & More, Clary Sage Oil Benefits for Menstrual Pain, Hormone Balance and More, Treating colds, fevers, infections and the flu, 15 drops wintergreen essential oil (you can also use part peppermint oil). are clickable links to these studies. Wintergreen Essential Oil Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is a perennial, aromatic herb native to the Eastern areas of North America. Wintergreen is safe in the amounts found in foods, and seems safe for most adults when used as a medicine. A 2017 study found that 0.5 percent wintergreen oil had a similar or higher antibacterial activity than a control antibiotic against persistent forms of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease.Feng J, et al. The Gaultheria procumbens wintergreen plant is a member of the Ericaceae plant family. (2016). Wintergreen oil should never be used on children and should always be kept in a childproof bottle, out of reach of children. It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Ever try a pain-relieving muscle rub that smelled like menthol or mint? You can also diffuse wintergreen oil using a diffuser to fill bathrooms with a fresh, minty scent or add several drops to some homemade laundry soap for its deodorizing effects. (2014). Studies have shown that wintergreen oil reduces pain and soothes the irritation of muscles. It is a colorless, viscous liquid with a sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of root beer , but often associatively called "minty," as it is an ingredient in mint candies. More research needs to be performed in order to assess the health benefits of this essential oil. You may also see the wintergreen plant locally referred to as checkerberry or teaberry. Wintergreen essential oil benefits include: Wintergreen oil has been used as an active ingredient in many topical pain relievers for decades to help ease muscle joint and bone pain. Health Benefits of Wintergreen Essential Oil – One of essential oils that have many uses for health is Wintergreen Oil. This oil is obtained by steam distillation of wintergreen (Gaultheria Procumbens) leaves, after being … As nouns the difference between peppermint and wintergreen is that peppermint is a hybrid herb of the mint family formed by crossing watermint and spearmint, which has a high menthol content and a sharp flavor and is used in cooking, especially in herb teas and in confections while wintergreen is (obsolete) any evergreen plant. Due to the fact that it can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should never use wintergreen oil. You can add one to two drops to your normal face wash or mix it with coconut or jojoba oil to nourish itchy, red, swollen skin. Many of the benefits of wintergreen oil are currently based off anecdotal evidence. Wintergreen essential oil is derived from the leaves of the Gaultheria Procumbens evergreen plant using a steam distillation method. As the essential oil market continues to grow, so do concerns about whether these highly concentrated plant extracts are safe for common use…. Wintergreen is an herb. Individuals who are taking blood-thinning drugs or who have bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, should not use wintergreen oil. Wintergreen essential oil is a powerful analgesic (relieves pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation) and antispasmodic (relieves spasms). 13 Things to Know Before Use. You’ll always get the most benefits from essential oils when they’re 100 percent pure, organic and therapeutic-grade. Methyl salicylate and wintergreen oil can both increase the effects of anticoagulant and blood-thinning drugs. Salicylate-containing rubefacients for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults. But what does the research tell us so far? Never apply any essential oil to the skin without diluting it in a carrier oil first. When working with a professional, you might be directed to take therapeutic-grade wintergreen oil as a dietary supplement by adding 1–2 drops to warm water, a smoothie or green juice. A Dietitian's Journey of Recovering from an Eating Disorder, people who are taking anticoagulant or blood-thinning drugs, people who have a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia. If you choose to make a solution with wintergreen oil and other essential oils, wintergreen oil may blend well with peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oils. Other studies also support the benefits of wintergreen in reducing inflammatory responses and reliving infection, swelling and pain. In the shower, use wintergreen oil on your scalp or hair to remove bacteria, greasiness and dandruff while adding a fresh scent — similar to the benefits of coconut oil for hair. Wintergreen oil has also been used in traditional medicine for the following conditions: Wintergreen oil may also be found in insecticides and repellents. Try inhaling wintergreen and peppermint oil before workouts to increase concentration and wakefulness. Always be sure to follow appropriate dilution guidelines. Research done by the Department of Pharmacology at Medical University of Lodz in Poland tested dry leaf extracts of eastern wintergreen leaves to evaluate their effectiveness as a source of bioactive antioxidant phytocompounds. Efficacy and safety profile of a topical methyl salicylate and menthol patch in adult patients with mild to moderate muscle strain: A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Avoid using wintergreen oil internally unless you’re working with a professional. Prolotherapy is an alternative therapy that may help reduce pain and repair body tissues, for example, with osteoarthritis. (2012). What is Wintergreen Essential Oil? First the leaves are steeped in a bit of warm water, releasing all of the beneficial enzymes locked within the leaf, and then the enzymes are isolated and concentrated to create the essential oil using a … However, research suggests that, when compared to other essential oils, it may be more effective as an insecticide or fumigant than as a repellent.Zhang Q, et al. Wintergreen essential oil is used to support the muscular and skeletal systems, with plenty of possibilities listed below. DOI:10.1093/jee/tow232. A 2014 report published by researchers from the University of Toulouse in France found that Gaultheria procumbent extract’s main ingredient methylsalicylate (MeSA) can be metabolized in plant tissues to form salicylic acid, a phytohormone that helps induce plant immunity against microbial pathogens. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Most commonly used as a food flavoring, wintergreen oil often is used in candy, … So how can you make sure that you select high quality, plant-derived wintergreen oil? Because methyl salicylate can be harmful when used on open wounds, internally, on babies or children, and on anyone with allergies, use caution and start slowly. As a natural astringent and antiseptic, when applied directly to the skin with a carrier oil, wintergreen is able to fight inflammation from blemishes and skin disorders. Ingesting it can possibly cause side effects for some that include heartburn, flushing, mouth sores, headaches, rashes and acid reflux. Wintergreen oil is a beneficial essential oil that’s extracted from the leaves of the Gaultheria procumbens evergreen plant. The clary sage plant has a lengthy history as a medicinal herb. Wintergreen oil or methyl salicylate can also exacerbate the effects of anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995208/, One 2010 study in adults with muscle strain found that application of a skin patch containing methyl salicylate and menthol provided a significant amount of pain relief compared to the placebo patch.Higashi Y, et al. Wintergreen oil primarily contains the active ingredient methyl salicylate, which makes up about 85 percent to 99 percent of wintergreen essential oil. When making a solution with wintergreen oil, it should only make up 2 to 3 percent of the final solution volume, according to the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. This is because wintergreen naturally contains active constituents that work similarly to aspirin. There’s limited research on the potential health benefits of wintergreen oil and its active ingredient, methyl salicylate. Wintergreen oil has also seen in traditional medicine. Burning a candle releases chemicals, but can they pose a danger to your health? Add the cayenne and ginger/turmeric. (2014). In fact, Wintergreen and Birch are the only plants in the world that contain methyl salicylate n… The subcommittee concluded that methyl salicylate used at a set concentration either by itself or combined with eucalyptol, menthol, and thymol is both safe and effective in these products. High doses can be toxic and even painful, so avoid overconsuming wintergreen oil or applying it directly to skin. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. When applied directly to the skin, wintergreen oil … Many of the stated benefits or uses of wintergreen oil are derived from anecdotal evidence, meaning they’re heavily based off personal testimony. Due to its minty aroma and flavor, it is used as a flavoring agent for chewing gums and other mints (in small concentrations only).13 It can also be used as a scent additive. If you have sensitive skin, there’s a chance you can react badly to mint oils and might experience redness, burning and swelling, so do a small patch test first to make sure you don’t experience any side effects. You can rub a homemade wintergreen oil mixture over your abdomen, stomach and lower back to improve blood flow and prevent cramping or pain. Try testing one to two drops on an area of your skin that isn’t sensitive, such as your feet or calves. In 2013, a subcommittee of the Food and Drug Administration reviewed methyl salicylate used in over-the-counter dental products that control plaque and gingivitis.Oral health care drug products for over-the-counter human use; antigingivitis/antiplaque drug products; establishment of a monograph; proposed rules. Several drops massaged into the skin is great for relieving achy joints from arthritis or rheumatism. Aromatherapy is often used as a natural remedy to relieve anxiety and stress. Through systematic activity testing and phytochemical profiling, researchers found high levels of inflammation-fighting antioxidants, including phenolics, procyanidins and phenolic acids. Wintergreen essential oil is the extract from the Gaultheria Procumbens shrub. Moderate levels of flavonoid antioxidants were also found. Wintergreen leaves themselves are actually odorless and tasteless, but after a compound called gaultherin present in the leaves is enzymatically hydrolyzed to methyl salicylate, the signature “minty” aroma develops. It is then distilled to obtain a purer product. (2017). The tea of wintergreen leaves has been used for ages to relieve muscle pain. In industry and manufacturing, wintergreen oil is used as a flavoring agent for products such as candies, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. It’s also helpful for treating sore muscles and chronic neck pain, as well as relieving lower back pain. The oil of wintergreen is a world-famous name, and it is … The natural production of wintergreen oil has been on the decline in favor of creating synthetic methyl salicylate. The term wintergreen means plant that remains green throughout winter. Wintergreen oil is an essential oil that’s traditionally derived from the leaves of the wintergreen plant. With its ability to kill odor-causing bacteria and mouth irritants, wintergreen oil is a great addition to homemade (or store-bought) toothpastes. Additionally, wintergreen also contains antioxidants and beneficial ingredients, including guaiadienes, a-pinene, myrcene, delta 3-carene, limonene and delta-cadinene. Wintergreen not only helps naturally freshen your breath, it can also protect gums and teeth from infection and pain. Try to source organic oil whenever possible from a reputable distributor who you have thoroughly vetted. Because methyl salicylate is absorbed through the skin, a negative reaction can also happen when it’s applied topically. Wintergreen oil is an essential oil obtained from the leaves of the wintergreen plant. DOI:10.1097/OLQ.0b013e31820cb166 Chaudhari LK, et al. And for recovery following a workout, diffusing wintergreen oil with a diffuser or vaporizer can help open up nasal and respiratory passages; improve blood flow; or relive pain associated with muscular, joint or skeletal strains. It also has anti-nausea benefits and soothing effects on the gastric lining and colon because of its ability to reduce muscle spasms, making it a natural remedy for nausea. Once combined, allow to cool slightly and then add in essential oils. Common wintergreen oil is often synthetic methyl salicylate. Wintergreen oil is naturally an antioxidant, energizing and immune-enhancing since it lowers inflammation and reduces pain. The use of wintergreen essential oil as a biocontrol agent against inflammatory responses within damaged and infected tissue was evaluated. Since it works as a natural home deodorizer that can help mask foul smells, use wintergreen oil around your home to sensitize the air and surfaces of your bathroom and kitchen. Because wintergreen oil naturally has a sweet and fresh scent and smell, very similar to that of peppermint oil, it has a wide variety of uses in foods, teas, aromatherapy, household and beauty products. Pour all oils (except essential oils) in to a jar. There are two species which can be used to produce the wintergreen oil: Gaultheria procumbens (native to North America) and Gaultheria fragrantissima (native to Asia and India) EXTRACTION METHOD OF WINTERGREEN OIL. Wintergreen is sometimes mistakenly believed to be a member of the mint family partly because it possesses a strong, crisp, mint-like aroma. Methyl salicylate can be poisonous if large amounts are ingested or absorbed through the skin over time. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter medications can also adversely interact with wintergreen when it’s consumed, so speak with your doctor if you take any digestive or asthma medications, blood thinners, pain medication, or anti-coagulants.