Juniper – Essential Oil
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Not only are juniper berries used in the process of making gin, but, in medieval times, juniper was believed to have magical properties and was used to ward off spells and witchcraft.
Juniper stimulates the appetite, which is why gin and tonic has traditionally been served as an aperitif. Until recently, twigs of rosemary and juniper were burned in hospitals in France to ward off infections. It is an effective disinfectant, and drops of the oil put on to cleaning cloths can be used to attain high levels of hygiene in the home.
Other uses include:
Acne
Cystitis
Cellulite
Confusion / emotionally drained
Eczema
Hangovers / headaches
Cautions
Do not use on children 12 years and under.
Do not use if you are pregnant.
Acne
Due to its antiseptic and anti-microbial properties, it is a great oil to use in the treatment of this condition.
Directions for use
Bath: Add up to 5 drops of pure essential oil to a bath of water, and lie back and relax.
Compress: Add 1 to 2 drops of pure essential oil to 1 litre of warm water. Lay sterile material on the surface of the water thus attracting a film of oil onto the cloth. Apply the material onto the affected area and leave for 10 minutes. Repeat daily.
Facial Massage: Mix 1 drop of pure essential oil to 2 teaspoons of almond or grape seed oil, or any other carrier oil, and rub into face. Use daily.
Inhalation: Boil 1 litre of water and pour into a bowl, add up to 10 drops of pure essential oil, place a towel over your head, and allow steam to rise onto face. Do not do if the skin is very sore as the steam may ‘burn’ already painful skin. Use once a week.
Cystitis
Juniper is a natural diuretic, flushing urine out of the body.
Directions for use
Bath: Add up to 5 drops of pure essential oil to a bath of water, and lie back and relax.
Massage: Mix 20 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grapeseed) to 10 drops of pure essential oil.
Cellulite
Juniper boosts circulation thus removing toxins from the body.
Directions for use
Bath: Add up to 5 drops of pure essential oil to a bath of water, and lie back and relax.
Massage: Mix 20 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grape seed) to 10 drops of pure essential oil.
Confusion / emotionally drained
Juniper is calming and cleansing.
Directions for use
Bath: Add up to 5 drops of pure essential oil to a bath of water, and lie back and relax.
Massage: Mix 20 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grape seed) to 10 drops of pure essential oil.
Handkerchief: Put a couple of drops of pure essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale as and when required.
Eczema (weepy)
Directions for use
Bath: Add up to 5 drops of pure essential oil to a bath of water, and lie back and relax.
Compress: Add 1 to 2 drops of pure essential oil to 1 litre of warm water. Lay sterile material on the surface of the water thus attracting a film of oil onto the cloth. Apply the material onto the affected area and leave for 10 minutes. Repeat daily.
Facial Massage: Mix 1 drop of pure essential oil to 2 teaspoons of almond or grape seed oil, or any other carrier oil, and rub into face.
Massage: Mix 20 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grape seed) to 10 drops of pure essential oil.
Hangovers / headaches
Juniper oil is good for clearing toxins and raising mood.
Directions for use
Bath: Add up to 5 drops of pure essential oil to a bath of water, and lie back and relax.
Massage: Mix 20 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grape seed) to 10 drops of pure essential oil.
Handkerchief: Put a couple of drops of pure essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale as and when required.
Further information
Where grown: Juniper berries come from a shrub / tree belonging to the Cupressaceae family, an evergreen that grows in the northern hemisphere.
Parts used and method of extraction: The best oil comes solely from the berries and is called Juniper Berry Oil. Oils called Juniper are nearly always made from a combination of berries, twigs, and needles, and should be avoided. It is extracted by steam distillation.
Colour and smell: Yellow or green, or even colourless, with a woody, sweet smell with tones of turpentine.
Active ingredients: Alpha pinene, camphene, terpineol, camphor of junipers, cadinene, and borneol.
Properties: Diuretic, antiseptic, toxin eliminator (especially of uric acid), detoxifier.
Mixes well with: Cedarwood, cypress, lavender, pine, geranium, and citrus oils, namely grapefruit.