Wintergreen is extensively used in pain relieving formulas; its chemical makeup is essentially that of liquid aspirin – being made up almost exclusively of methyl salicylate. The salicylates pass through the skin, entering the tissues to inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.

Wintergreen should NOT be used by people who are allergic to aspirin. Further, Wintergreen should NEVER be ingested and only used topically in dilutions of 12% or Care must be taken to always keep the oil away from children.