Note: Middle

Temperature: Warming

Tastes: Acrid, sweet

Elements: Wood

Meridians: Liver

Traditional Actions/Indications:

1. Expels Wind-Damp Bi of Hot or Cold types
   Acute pain, arthritis, inflammation, lumbago
   Usually combined with peppermint oil for a synergistic effect that enhances both
2. Releases the Exterior
   Colds, flu and fevers
3. Regulates the flow of Liver Qi
   Stomach ache, sore muscles from nervous tension

Cautions: Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding and children. High concentration of methyl salicylate (98%) may inhibit platelet aggregation and potentiate anticoagulants. Generally only used as an external liniment for muscular aches and pains where guides suggest it should be kept to a 1-3% concentration.

Blends with: Marjoram, Peppermint, Spearmint, Thyme, Oregano, and Ylang Ylang

Constituents:

• Methyl Salicylate
  Methyl ester of salicylic acid (aspirin) that constitutes 98% of wintergreen oil. It is widely used as a fragrance, in foods, beverages, and liniments. Topically it acts as a rubefacient and analgesic in deep heating liniments for acute joint and muscular pain. 1 drop of wintergreen oil is equivalent to 93 mg of aspirin, almost 1/3 an adult strength tablet (300 mg).

These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently.