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Oil of Wintergreen - burn lungs?

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Posted 10/8/2009 3:50 AM (GMT -7)
I am using oil of wintergreen for a art project. Using this oil, I can transfer printed ink from one piece of paper to another.

However, I am concerned with how dangerous this substance is.
Is using gloves and a mask really enough?
Could it burn my lungs?
How would I know if this has happened?

Thank you
Saiko_0
Posted 10/8/2009 7:05 AM (GMT -7)
Saiko, the only thing I know about this essence is that it is used in some cooking and in muscle rubs because it contains methyl salicylate.  It's toxic if ingested in large quantities.  I didn't find anything harmful in using it as you're describing, that is, not rubbing it on the skin or drinking it,  when I googled it, but I would encourage you to do your own research on that because only you know exactly how you want to use it.  You can also ask any pharmacist about this oil but also mention how you're going to use it. 
Posted 10/8/2009 8:03 AM (GMT -7)
Thank you for your reply, Lanie.


I have been using gloves and a mask, as the pharmacist said. However, it has a very strong odor. I am not sure of its effects on the lungs or brain. I have researched, but if you or anyone else reading this does know any more information, then I'd be glad to know it!

Thanks again,
Saiko
Posted 10/8/2009 8:51 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Saiko, I'm glad you did speak to a pharmacist.  I'm not sure if there are others here on this forum who would know this information but you might also try some other website forums dealing with chemistry or poison control?  In any case, good luck.
Posted 10/8/2009 11:18 PM (GMT -7)
I'd encourage you to use the oil in a ventilated area (i.e., open a window). The wintergreen itself should be fine unless you are allergic to aspirin or to wintergreen, but many oils are contaminated with other substances, such as alcohol and other plant oils, that may be toxic.
Posted 10/9/2009 3:34 AM (GMT -7)
I see...
So my veranda is the perfect place - however, I wonder if using a concentrated winter green is safe even with precautions? It did manage to burn through a plastic-coated Styrofoam plate!
Posted 10/10/2009 5:31 AM (GMT -7)
Styrofoam and plastic are both petroleum based products, thus an oil-based substance. Essential oils can dissolve other oil-based substances, so that is probably why it dissolved the styrofoam plate.

If you get the wintergreen on your skin and it burns, put some vegetable oil on it to dilute the wintergreen, then wash with soap and hot water. If you get wintergreen oil in your eye, put a little bit of vegetable oil in your eye to dilute the wintergreen oil (my Mom had this happen with a different essential oil and she said the vegetable oil really helped). The vegetable oil isn't likely to cause a problem for your eye.

I think you'll be ok as long as you're careful but Poison Control may be able to answer your question better than I can, or perhaps Google... Don't eat the oil in any significant quantity - it could cause salicylate poisoning..

Good luck,
Posted 10/10/2009 6:34 AM (GMT -7)
Boy Razzle, you are just a fountain of information! Where did you learn all this (not just for this thread but others as well)? You have been a huge asset to the Asthma/Allergies forum btw! :)
Posted 10/10/2009 9:40 AM (GMT -7)
This is all really great information - thank you so much everybody!
Contacting Poison Control is also good idea...

-Saiko
Posted 10/10/2009 8:43 PM (GMT -7)
Red_34,

My learning started when I set out to find answers for my own health. It got bad in 1984 when I was up late every night with shaking chills, nausea, sometimes vomiting, exhaustion. To distract myself from feeling sick and to find something to help feel better, I started reading books on Homeopathic medicine, nutrition, and herbs. My learning and healing journey is not yet completed, as I am not well (far from it), but I try to keep learning stuff because it helps me and helps others when I am able to share that info with them (such as on this forum).

Thanks & take care,
Posted 10/11/2009 5:26 AM (GMT -7)
Razzle, you know the saying...life is a school that never ends. You have helped many people here so I just wanted to say thank you for your contributions.
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