What is the difference between aspirin and oil of wintergreen

Birch essential oil also contains methyl salicylate and therefore has similar tension-reducing benefits and uses. Wintergreen is absorbed into skin quickly and acts like a natural numbing agent, similar to cortisone. It also promotes blood circulation and cools irritation, which is comforting to swollen skin. Additionally, wintergreen also contains antioxidants and beneficial ingredients, including guaiadienes, a-pinene, myrcene, delta 3-carene, limonene and delta-cadinene. 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. This is because wintergreen naturally contains active constituents that work similarly to aspirin.

The leaves are also beneficial for preventing and treating digestion problems, including stomachaches, cramps, gas and bloating. Ever try a pain-relieving muscle rub that smelled like menthol or mint? Several drops massaged into the skin is great for relieving achy joints from arthritis or rheumatism.

Wintergreen leaves contain an aspirin-like chemical that can help reduce pain, congestion, swelling and fever associated with common illnesses. To open your nasal passages and breathe more deeply, combine wintergreen and coconut oil together, and than rub them into your chest and upper back just like a store-bought vapor rub. 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.

Since it helps combat bacterial growth, viruses and fungi, use wintergreen around your home or on your body to remove dangerous contaminants. 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.

Wintergreen oil can be used in small doses to increase stomach acid and juices that help improve digestion. 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. You can rub a homemade wintergreen oil mixture over your abdomen, stomach and lower back to improve blood flow and prevent cramping or pain.

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. 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. 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.

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. Try inhaling wintergreen and peppermint oil before workouts to increase concentration and wakefulness. 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.

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. 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.

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. Combine several drops with water in a spray bottle and apply to hard surfaces, appliances, garbage cans and even your toilet bowls. 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. 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.

Gibson, Birch has the historical tradition of being used by Native Americans and early European settlers to flavor their tea. It may support a strong circulatory system, maintain a healthy urinary tract, and promote beautiful skin. It is important to understand, however, that as with many essential oils, there are a number of different species, and these vary in therapeutic benefits and properties. Betula alleghaniensis is known as Yellow Birch, and is considered the most valuable of the native birch species.

The name comes from its yellowish bronze peeling bark. It is the inner bark which is aromatic and has a flavor and fragrance similar to wintergreen oil. Half of its growth volume in North America is in Quebec. Although Birch essential oil is offered by several companies, it is generally Sweet Birch Betula lenta. Claims and advice given by the companies offering them varies widely.

One company claims their Birch B. Yet true natural Birch oil would have the same or very similar Methyl Salicylate content as Wintergreen, and the chemical components posted for this Birch oil do list Methyl Salicylate as the main component. They claim it may be applied or ingested without dilution.

Such a warning is completely contradictory to widely published historical medicinal use of birch oil and strongly suggests that it is not pure and natural essential oil at all, but synthetic Methyl salicylate, which in fact IS toxic. Highly regarded Chemist, Dr. David Stewart explains that the 19 atoms of natural Methyl Salicylate occur only in one isomer molecular shape.

Synthetic versions may have different isomers which arrange these atoms in different ways. Many of the benefits of wintergreen oil are currently based off anecdotal evidence. More research needs to be performed in order to assess the health benefits of this essential oil.

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We'll review these claims and see if there's any evidence to support…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. About Wintergreen Essential Oil. Wintergreen oil uses and forms. Wintergreen oil benefits. Risks of wintergreen essential oil and methyl salicylate. Methyl salicylate can be toxic. How to use wintergreen oil. The takeaway.

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