Is Wintergreen Oil safe during pregnancy?
Strong salicylate in sports creams and some oils. A review advises avoiding methyl salicylate-rich oils in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What the sources say
Wintergreen and sweet birch oils are almost pure methyl salicylate, which the body converts to salicylic acid. A 2021 review says methyl salicylate-rich oils should be avoided by any route during pregnancy and lactation, and MedlinePlus calls it the most poisonous form of salicylate, found in deep-heating creams. A review of topical drugs notes salicylate poisoning has occurred with methyl salicylate ointments. Ask your clinician about safer pain relief.
Also listed as
betula lenta oil, birch oil, gaultheria procumbens (wintergreen) leaf oil, gaultheria procumbens oil, methyl salicylate, oil of wintergreen, sweet birch oil
Sources
- NIH PubMed (peer-reviewed review): Maternal Reproductive Toxicity of Some Essential Oils and Their Constituents (Int J Mol Sci, 2021)
- NIH MedlinePlus: Methyl salicylate overdose
- NIH PubMed (peer-reviewed review): Topical acne drugs: review of clinical properties, systemic exposure, and safety (Am J Clin Dermatol, 2003)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.