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Wintergreen Toxicity Facts

Wintergreen's refreshing flavor and scent give no hint of the potential dangers of wintergreen oil. This substance can cause severe illness or death if consumed in excess.

  1. Wintergreen

    • Wintergreen's aromatic oil sees common use as a flavoring or herbal remedy, but the Flora website notes that these applications involve only tiny amounts of the oil. Wintergreen oil contains a chemical called methyl salicylate that can cause harm in larger amounts.

    Dangerous Interactions

    • People taking warfarin or aspirin to prevent blood clots should avoid wintergreen because it can boost the effects of these drugs to harmful levels.

    Toxic Side Effects

    • The toxic effects of the methyl salicylate in wintergreen oil include contact allergies, kidney or liver damage, tinnitus, vomiting, and even death in large doses.

    Toxicity Levels

    • According to Drugs.com, one tsp. of wintergreen oil contains as much salicylate as 21.5 aspirins. Six ml of wintergreen oil can kill an adult, while a child can die from ingesting 4 ml. Wintergreen oil concentration in drugs cannot exceed 5 percent, while candies contain .04 percent or less.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Flora warns consumers to keep any products containing methyl salicylate away from children. Labeling such products correctly can help prevent accidental overdose.

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