doTERRA Wintergreen essential oil is derived from the leaves of a low shrub found in coniferous plant areas. Wintergreen's main chemical component, methyl salicylate, is used in massage creams and mixes because of its comforting properties. In fact, Wintergreen and Birch are the only plants in the world that naturally possess methyl salicylate. When diffused, Wintergreen has a refreshing aroma that is both uplifting and stimulating. Through the Co-Impact Supply initiative, the new source of Wintergreen comes from Nepal, where the wild plant is extracted by rural villagers and then distilled in community-owned factories. This process creates increased economic opportunities for the more remote regions of Nepal.
For External Use Only. May cause skin irritation. Keep out of reach of children. In case of pregnancy or treatment, consult a physician. Avoid contact with eyes, ears and sensitive areas. In case of contact with eyes, rinse with a generous amount of doTERRA Carrier Oil. In case of irritation, discontinue use and consult a physician. Keep product away from light and heat.
doTERRA Air™, doTERRA On Guard™, Lavender (5 ml), Melaleuca (5 ml), Peppermint (5 ml), Deep Blue™ Rub, and a reusable zippered pouch.
Wintergreen grows in the foothills of the Himalaya, making Nepal and China the sole regions of the world with endemic, wild wintergreen. It thrives in a cool climate with heavily forested areas. We source our wintergreen from Nepal, where we support much needed income streams for harvesters and distillers.
The essential oil comes from the leaves of the wintergreen plant, which grows between 100 and 300 cm high. The leaves are hand collected by harvesters – primarily women – who then transport the wintergreen leaves in a large basket that rests on their back while being held in place by a strap around their forehead. One basket of wintergreen leaves can weigh up to 62 kg. The women sell the raw material to distillers. The leaves soak in warm water overnight before being steam distilled. Next is the distillation itself, which lasts at least 14 hours.
In Nepal, the forests where wintergreen grows are managed by Community Forest User’s Groups (CFUG) who oversee wintergreen collection to prevent overharvesting. Harvesters and distillers work with CFUGs to follow management plans that allow harvesters to collect the wild wintergreen leaves in specific areas that rotate each year.
Together with our partners in Nepal, we have been active in facilitating supply chain improvement and sustainability programmes for Wintergreen. We worked with our partners to develop manuals on proper collection, manufacturing, and testing practices. Then, we implemented trainings on these topics. We've also installed distillation units in several communities. These initiatives are helping optimise oil yields to make best use of this beautiful natural resource and increase income for wintergreen harvesters.
You will find your Quality ID on the bottom of doTERRA single essential oil bottles purchased after May 2016. The Quality ID will contain a series of six or seven numbers and one letter.