Wintergreen
Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Family
Ericaceae
Note
Middle / Top
Part used
Leaves
Extraction
Steam distillation (after maceration fermentative of the leaves)
Plant description

Extracted by steam distillation from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens L. (wintergreen, tè of the Canada, tè of montagna), small evergreen shrub of the Ericacee widespread in the boschi decidui of the North America oriental (from the Canada to the Georgia), where the fogliame persiste coperto of neve during all the inverno. The phytochemical profile is almost exclusively composto from salicilato of methyl (95-99%) — the stessa molecule present in the oil of birch sweet (Betula slow) and in the creams analgesic sportive as Tiger Balm and Bengay. The salicilato of methyl is a inhibitor of the COX (cicloossigenasi) topical — a FANS natural — with powerful activity analgesic and anti-inflammatory to livello muscular, joint and tendineo. L'oil of wintergreen is among the more forti analgesic topici natural disponible but has a high profile of risk: is epatotossic and nefrotossic to the doses high orally and may cause reazioni skin severe in people sensible to the aspirina. Contraindicated during pregnancy, children and people in terapia anticoagulant. Use always very diluted (max 2%). Very fresh top note, phenolic and penetrating.

Origin

America of the North (Canada, USA north-oriental), Himalaya.

Part used

Leaves

Extraction method

Steam distillation (after maceration fermentative of the leaves)

Main uses
  • Analgesic muscular: the more powerful analgesic natural for muscle and joint pain.
  • Anti-inflammatory: action simile to the aspirina, reduces the inflammation local.
  • Sport: products pre/post-allenamento for muscles tired (deve be diluted).
  • Perfumery: note aromatic medicinal in some fragrances and products igienic.
Recipes & blends
Oil sportive

5 drops of Wintergreen + 3 drops of Mint peppermint + 2 drops of Rosemary in 30 ml of arnica oil. Massage onto muscles first of the activity physical for riscaldare and prevenire infortuni. Do not use on skin irritata.

Antidolore joint

4 drops of Wintergreen + 3 drops of Lavender + 2 drops of Ginger in 30 ml of carrier oil. The metilsalicilato of the Wintergreen and the principio active of the aspirina natural: effective on joint pain and reumatic.

Contraindications
TOXIC IF INGESTED. Do not use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, children under 6 years. Contraindicated in allergy to the aspirina (acetilsalicilato) or in terapia with anticoagulant. Do not apply to large surfaces skin. Use always diluted (max 2%). Photosensitizing potenzial.