The essential oil of sweet gaultheria is known for its very pronounced smell but especially for its remarkable effectiveness. Composed of more than 95% of methyl salicylate (molecule of the same family as aspirin), with powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, this essential oil is the oil of sportsmen: it immediately relieves aches and pains, tendonitis and other joint and muscle pains. Latin name: Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall. or Gaultheria procumbens L. Distilled part: leaves
Only one route of administration is recommended: the cutaneous route. This essential oil is nonetheless irritating to sensitive skin. The essential oil of Sweet Clover (or Wintergreen), or Couchée, is only authorized foradults and adolescents. Pregnant women can use it in dilution only and with a doctor's prescription. Caution, people with epilepsy should seek medical advice before using this essential oil.
The essential oil of Gaultheria is irritating for the skin, it is thus necessary, in the majority of the cases, to dilute it in a vegetable oil before any cutaneous application:
The use of this essential oil by mouth must be done on the advice of a therapist.
The essential oil of Gaultheria (or Wintergreen) should not be used in the event of disorders of coagulation or anticoagulant treatment, nor of allergy to the salicylates (as an example, the aspirin is of the family of Salicylates).
People with eczema, gastroesophageal reflux, asthma, ulcers, hiatal hernia, hemorrhage, or who are undergoing surgery should not use this essential oil.
The essential oil of Gaultheria contains very few allergenic biochemical components.
Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to ensure there is no reaction).
The essential oil of sweet gaultheria is highly concentrated in methyl salicylate and monoterpene alcohols. These molecules give it the following main properties:
But also these secondary properties:
Efficiency : ++++
From 12 years and for adults. By skin, gently massage the affected area with 1 drop diluted in 9 drops of vegetable oil.
Reserved for + 6 years. As soon as pain appears, massage locally with 4 to 6 drops of the mixture. Repeat as needed. In case of sensitive skin or prolonged use (not more than 3 weeks), increase the amount of oily macerate of Arnica. :
More details or other users: essential oils for muscle pain relief.
Efficiency : ++++
For adults and adolescents. By skin, gently massage the affected area with 1 drop diluted in 4 drops of vegetable oil.
For adults and adolescents. To be applied with light massages on painful joints 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days :
Source: Festy, D. (2022). My bible of essential oils. Leduc.
Efficiency : ++++
From age 12 and for adults. By skin, gently massage with 1 to 2 drops in 8 to 9 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area, depending on its surface. Repeat 3 times a day for up to 3 weeks.
From age 6. By skin, gently massage with 15 drops in 9.5 mL of vegetable oil on the affected area, 3 times a day for up to 3 weeks.
Restricted to + 6 years. Apply locally 4 to 6 drops of the mixture 3 times a day until significant improvement :
More details or other users: essential oils to relieve lumbago.
Efficiency : ++++
From age 12 and for adults. By cutaneous route, gently massage with 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil on the tendon, 3 times a day for up to 3 weeks.
From age 6. By skin, gently massage with 15 drops in 9.5 mL of vegetable oil on the tendon, 3 times a day for up to 3 weeks.
Restricted to + 6 years. Massage locally with 3 to 4 drops of the mixture, 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days :
More details or other users: essential oils to fight tendonitis.
Efficiency : +++
From age 12 and for adults. By skin, gently massage with 5 drops in 5 drops of vegetable oil on the tendon.
From 6 years. By skin, gently massage with 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil on the tendon.
Restricted to + 6 years. Many times a day, gently massage the painful area with a few drops of the following mixture:
Source: Zahalka, J-P. (2017). Complete dictionary of essential oils. Dauphin.
Gaultheria essential oil will be very effective, but if you have some on hand, Italian Helichrysum essential oil will be even better! Dermally, 3 pure drops on the sprain, after cooling it with an ice pack, 1 time a day, until the sprain disappears.
Efficiency : +++
From age 12 and for adults. By skin, massage gently with 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area.
From age 6. By skin, gently massage 15 drops in 9.5 mL of vegetable oil on the affected area.
Wintergreen essential oil will be very effective, but if you have some on hand, Remary Camphor essential oil will be even better! Dermally,1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area, 4 times a day, until improvement.
Restricted to + 6 years. Gently massage the back of the neck and upper back with 3 to 4 drops of the mixture, 3 times a day, for 5 to 7 days :
More details or other users: essential oils to relieve a stiff neck.
Efficiency : +++
From 6 years and for adults. By cutaneous way, massage gently with 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area, 3 times a day for up to 3 weeks.
Wintergreen essential oil will be very effective, but if you have some on hand, Roman Chamomile essential oil will be even better! Dermally, massage 1 drop to 4 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area.
For adults and teens. Gently massage along the nerve pathway :
Source: Festy, D. (2022). My bible of essential oils. Leduc.
Efficiency : +++
For adults and adolescents. By cutaneous way, and in case of inflammatory outbreak, massage gently with 5 drops in 5 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area. Otherwise, use 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil, 3 times a day for up to 3 weeks.
The essential oil of Gaultheria is very effective, just like the essential oil of Lemon Eucalyptus! By cutaneous way, 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times per day on the painful zone, until improvement.
Reserved for 6+ years. To be repeated 3 times a day until improvement, for 2 to 3 weeks then observe a week's break before resuming. Apply 4 to 6 drops of the mixture locally on the painful area :
More details or other users: essential oils for osteoarthritis relief.
Efficiency : +++
For adults and adolescents. By skin, dilute 1 drop of Sweet Clove in 4 drops of vegetable oil (Arnica, St. John's wort...) and massage the painful finger, up to 4 times a day.
Wintergreen essential oil is very effective, as is Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil! Dermally, dilute 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area, until improvement.
Gaultheria essential oil is used on many, many occasions, especially related to its anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and vasodilator properties. For most ofthe following uses it will be effective, but not necessarily the best essential oil. We thereforeindicate the best substitute for Gaultheria for the following different problems.
Gaultheria effective, but... it is better to use Italian Helichrysum essential oil against hematomas, bruises or edemas: dermally, a few pure drops on the affected area, 5 times a day, until the bruise disappears.
Gaultheria can act, but... it is better to use complete Ylang Ylang essential oil against hypertension and tachycardia: by skin, apply 1 drop of Ylang Ylang on the inside of your wrists, then take deep breaths. To be done as soon as you feel the need (medical advice necessary for a long term use).
Gaultheria effective, but... it is better to use Peppermint essential oil against migraines and headaches: dermally, 2 pure drops massaged on the temples and forehead, as soon as necessary. (Be careful with the eyes!)
Gaultheria effective, but... it is better to use Tarragon essential oil against painful periods: dermally, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil massaged on the stomach. Repeat every hour until improvement.
Sweet gaultheria and Couched gaultheria contain mainly one and the same molecule: the salicylate of methyl, present around 99 %. With such a composition, the two essential oils thus present similar properties, precautions of use and uses. Their difference lies mainly in their origin, but also their species:
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