Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and “warming” effect, this essential oil calms joint pain linked to osteoarthritis.
Knee pain, hip pain, finger pain, wrist pain… The capricious winter weather puts a strain on our joints. During this season, many people suffering from rheumatism and joint pain experience even more pain! We know that cold acts as a vasoconstrictor on blood circulation, which causes our body fluids to circulate less well and creates pressure on already painful joints. A study published in Nature magazine shows thatwet or rainy weather awakens chronic rheumatic pain such as osteoarthritis.
A star of natural pharmacopoeia
In addition to the medicinal treatments indicated in this pathology, an essential oil, star of the natural pharmacopoeia, considerably improves joint comfort thanks to its richness in methyl salicylate, a molecule capable of inhibiting certain pro-inflammatory mediators responsible for the sensation of pain. Nicknamed “the essential oil of the athlete”She bring a “heating” effect during a massage and also acts as a muscle and joint relaxant after physical exertion or a sports session. With his Quite strong camphor scent, it can put off more than one person. However, it is the ideal ally in case of joint problems. “Antispasmodic and painkiller, wintergreen (lying or odorous, both have the same therapeutic properties, editor’s note) is an anti-inflammatory that quickly relieves various joint and muscle pains, including osteoarthritis and tendonitis. It is used in the form of essential oil, in skin application or in massage at the level of the painful area up to 3 times a dayrecommended Philippe Chavanne, author of the book “Natural anti-inflammatories” (Alpen editions) in a previous interview.
How to maximize its effects?
To optimize the effects of wintergreen and avoid irritating the skinit is advisable to dilute 1 drop of Wintergreen HE in 9 drops neutral vegetable oil:
► Either vegetable oil Macadamia For stimulate blood circulation without feeling greasy.
► Either vegetable oilArnicawith anti-inflammatory, analgesic and relaxing properties.
Wintergreen essential oil should not not be used before the age of 12, nor in pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also contraindicated in case of taking anticoagulant treatment or coagulation disorders, eczema, asthma or digestive ulcers, we can read in “My bible of essential oils” (Leduc editions) by Danièle Festy. It is recommended do not exceed 8 days consecutive periods of use and do an allergy test before any use of the essential oil by putting a drop of wintergreen EO lying down in the crook of the elbowand wait for 24 hours to see if there is an allergic reaction.