What is Wintergreen Essential Oil (Chinese)?

Wintergreen Essential Oil (Chinese) is the steam-distilled essential oil of Gaultheria procumbens, in the Ericaceae family,. It is drawn from the leaves of the plant. It is roughly 98 percent methyl salicylate, which makes it one of the most concentrated and toxic essential oils.

About the oil

Wintergreen essential oil is distilled from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens or related Chinese species. It is composed of roughly 98 percent methyl salicylate, the compound responsible for its unmistakable sharp-sweet wintergreen scent, which is also familiar from certain candies and topical products. That very high methyl salicylate content makes it one of the most concentrated and hazardous essential oils on the market. This is a hazardous-material product.

Aroma and character

The aroma of wintergreen oil is sharp, sweet, and distinctly wintergreen.

Wintergreen Essential Oil (Chinese): form and size

We carry Wintergreen Essential Oil (Chinese) bottled as a single, unblended essential oil.

Safety and handling: hazardous material

Wintergreen oil is roughly 98 percent methyl salicylate, which the body handles much like aspirin but at extremely high concentration; a single teaspoon is comparable to dozens of adult aspirin tablets, and childhood deaths have occurred from ingesting only a few milliliters. It must never be swallowed, never applied to children, never applied undiluted, and never used by anyone on blood thinners, with a bleeding disorder, or during pregnancy. Keep tightly capped and locked out of reach of children and pets.

Wintergreen Essential Oil (Chinese) at a glance

Botanical name

Gaultheria procumbens

Family

Ericaceae

Plant part

leaves

Extraction

Steam-distilled

Handling

Hazardous material

Primary compound

Methyl salicylate (~98%)

Aroma

sharp, sweet