Wintergreen

Wintergreen is a small shrub, 15 cm high, belonging to the heather family. It has an underground stem that transforms into aerial branches. Its white to pale pink summer flowers, located at the base of the leaves, are generally solitary and bell-shaped. From October to March, they produce scarlet red berries on the female plants.

Native to Canada and North America, Wintergreen has long been known to Native Americans and Canadian Inuit for its anti-fever, anti-migraine, and anti-rheumatic pain properties. There, it is more commonly called "Wintergreen" in reference to its evergreen foliage.

An infusion called "forest tea" is made from its leaves in Canada, used to relieve sore throats.

Its nickname "natural aspirin" is due to its exceptional concentration of methyl salicylate, one of the components of aspirin. This is almost the sole active ingredient in its essential oil. It represents more than 99% of its composition! This is almost unprecedented in aromatherapy.

Renowned for its analgesic properties, it is present in many massage creams for athletes. It also gives them that recognizable scent.

There is another variety: Indian Wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima) native to Nepal. Its composition and properties are quite similar to those of Wintergreen and can substitute for it in aromatherapy.

Highly concentrated and therefore very effective, Wintergreen essential oil must nevertheless be handled with caution. Also, be wary of the origin of your essential oil. Be sure of your supplier as it is subject to numerous frauds.