Juniper Berry Oil
Juniper essential oil is extracted from Juniperus communis, of the Cupressaceae family and is also known as common juniper.
This crisp essential oil is used in aromatherapy to help stimulate and strengthen the nerves and bolster the spirits in
challenging situations, while helping to relieve urine retention. It is used for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout, as well
as cellulite, acne, dermatitis, blocked pores, psoriasis and weeping eczemas.
Oil properties
Juniper oil can be extracted from the berries, as well as the needles and wood. We sell the oil extracted from the berries, as it
is a more superior essential oil than that extracted from the twigs and needles. It has a fresh, clear but slightly woody aroma,
and is a pale oil with a watery viscosity.
Origin of Juniper oil
It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 meters (30 feet) in the wild, but is cultivated to a height of 2 meters (6 feet)
and has blue-green needle-like leaves, small yellow flowers and the female tree produces a blue/black fruit (berry).
As a herb it has great medicinal value and was used against contagious diseases, such as cholera, typhoid fever and the plague in
Tibet and in Europe. It was given to Mongolian women at the beginning of labor, and in Yugoslavia it was looked upon as an
all-cure. It was burnt in French hospitals, to clear the air and is also very well known as the flavor ingredient of gin.
Extraction
Juniper oil is extracted from dried, crushed or slightly dried ripe fruit by steam distillation and yields 0.2 % - 2 %.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of juniper oil are a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, a-phellandrene, a-terpinene,
y-terpinene, 1,4-cineole, b-phellandrene, p-cymene, terpinen-4-ol, bornyl acetate, cayophyllene and trace amounts of limonene,
camphor, linalool, linalyl acetate, borneol and nerol.
Precautions
It is considered non-toxic but since it can stimulate the uterine muscle it should not be used during pregnancy, nor by people
with kidney problems. It is non-sensitizing, but some people do have a reaction to it, and it is generally wise to us this oil in
moderation.
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of juniper oil are antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, depurative,
diuretic, rubefacient, stimulating, stomachic, sudorific, vulnerary and tonic.
Uses
Juniper oil can help calm the nerves, relieves anxiety, nervous tension and mental exhaustion. It is helpful when the prostate
gland is enlarged and is used to help with the inability to pass urine, in cases of cystitis and kidney stones.
It is also helpful for cellulite and fluid retention. Juniper oil generally helps with the digestive system, particularly in cases
of obesity, over-indulgence of food and premenstrual bloating.
For the liver, it has a tonic effect and helps regulate the menstrual cycle and eases painful period pains. It assists with the
elimination of uric acid and therefore relieves pain in cases of gout, rheumatism and arthritis. Apart from this, juniper oil is
also very effective for acne, eczema, oily skin, weeping eczema, psoriasis and dandruff and alleviates inflammation.
Summary
Juniper oil is a very valuable oil and can be used in cases of nervous tension and anxiety, for the urinary tract, for over-eating
and obesity, for eliminating uric acid and for skin care. The affinity to the urino-genital tract was further shown when studies
revealed that it enhances glomerular filtration, thereby causing the excretion of more amounts of potassium, sodium and chlorine -
especially helpful when the prostate gland is enlarged.
* Burners and vaporizers * In vapor therapy juniper oil can be used for the treatment of addictions, nervous tension, hangovers,
over-indulgence of food and to stimulate the nervous system and bolster the spirit in challenging situations.
* Blended massage oil or in the bath * Juniper oil can be used as a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, for colic in
adults, arthritis, cellulite, nervous tension, cystitis, pain in passing urine, gout, hangover, swollen joints, liver
problems, muscle fatigue and overweight.
* Lotions and creams * When used in a base cream or lotion, juniper oil can be useful for an oily skin and acne, as well as
weeping eczema, dermatitis, blocked pores, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin ailments.
* Compress * Juniper oil can be used diluted on a compress for arthritis, eczema and general infections.
Juniper oil blends well with
Although essential oils normally blend well together, Juniper oil blends particularly well with cedarwood,cypress, geranium,
grapefruit, lavender, lavandin, bergamot, lime, vetiver, clary sage and lemongrass.
Therapeutic uses:
Acne, arthritis, appetite regulator, anxiety, cellulite, colds and flu, detoxify, disinfectant, drowsiness, eczema, gout, hair
loss, headaches, immune system, infections, mental exhaustion, menstrual problems, nervous tension, oily complexions, rheumatism,
skin toner, stress-related conditions and wounds.
Essential Oil Applications:
For acne, eczema, oily complexions, and wounds, place enough oil on a cotton ball to make it wet, but do not soak it. Wipe
directly on skin condition, using gentle movements.
To alleviate anxiety, drowsiness, mental exhaustion, nervous tension, and combat stress-related disorders, use 8-10 drops in bath
water. Can also use 2-3 drops in a diffuser.
For arthritis and rheumatism, add 2-3 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage into affected areas.
As an appetite regulator, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser or use as a steam inhalation.
For cellulite and detoxification, add 2-3 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage into affected areas regularly. Can also use
8-10 drops in bath water.
To fight colds, flu, and infections, use 3-5 drops in a steam inhalation. Can also use 8-10 drops in bath water, or 3-5 in a
diffuser.
To help prevent hair loss, mix 3-5 drops in unscented conditioner. Leave on hair for 3-5 minutes, rinse as normal. Use regularly.
For headaches, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser or 8-10 drops in a bath. Can also use 2-3 drops in one ounce of carrier oil, and
massage gently into temples. Increase benefit by adding lavender.
As a home disinfectant, use approx. 5 drops in a quart of water. Transfer to a spray bottle, and shake before using.
To boost the immune system, use 8-10 drops in bath water, or use 2-3 drops in a diffuser.
To regulate period and to fight cramps, use 2-3 drops in one ounce of carrier oil and massage on lower abdomen.