Juniper Berry

Species name: Juniper essential oil is extracted from the berries and/or needles of the Juniperus communis, of the Cupressaceae family, by steam distillation.

Also known as: Juniper berry is also known as common juniper.

Juniper essential oil has a fresh, crisp scent, and is almost clear.  The texture of juniper essential oil is thin and watery in texture.

Juniper is used in many herbal remedies.  It was used in various forms to combat such formidable foes as the plague, cholera, and typhoid fever.  It was used all over Europe for a wide array of maladies.

Home Remedies using Juniper Berry Essential Oil:

Benefits of Juniper Berry Essential Oil:

Juniper essential oil is still used in aromatherapy.  It is used for various skin disorders like acne and psoriasis.  It is still used in aromatherapy to help stimulate urine production and aid passing urine. 

It is a powerful tool to allay water retention, to help stimulate blood flow to the uterus, and regulate menstruation.  It is a herbal cure for problems resulting from prostate enlargement.

Therapeutically, juniper essential oil is used for many things. 

It is a tonic beneficial on many levels such as on the skin as an astringent, and as an aid to help those suffering with bladder and urinary infections to be able to pass urine and even to help those who are trying to pass a kidney stone. 

Juniper oil helps keep the digestive system functioning properly and is a weight loss aid.

• In vapor therapy juniper oil can be used in simmer pots, diffusers, or in lamp rings.  Apart from its therapeutic value, it is a pleasant way to cleanse the air.  It is thought to help the symptoms of hangovers, and help with withdrawal symptoms from various addictions.
• Juniper oil can be blended with other essential oils and/or carrier oils to create a massage oil, or a few drops can be added to a bath to help alleviate symptoms of infant colic, gout, to soothe and relieve pain from swollen joints, gout, or tired and strained muscles.
• Juniper oil can be added to creams and lotions, to help with skin inflammations from disorders such as eczema, rashes, and acne, and many other disorders.
• A few drops of juniper oil can be placed on a cloth or cool compress to use as an antiseptic for cleansing the skin, or even as a topical solution applied with heat to help soothe arthritis.

Side Effects of Juniper Berry Essential Oil:

Though juniper oil is considered not to be toxic, it should not be used during pregnancy or with anyone who has kidney problems. 

Always use well diluted and do a skin sensitivity patch test before beginning to use juniper oil.