Juniper berry oil

Technical Data Sheets :

Botanical Name: Juniperus communis, also known as common juniper.

Common Method of Extraction: The common method of extraction of juniper oil is by steam distillation. The ripe fruit is dried and crushed and oil is extracted and it yields 0.2 to 2 %.

Parts Used: Fruits, twigs and leaves

Note Classification: Middle

Aroma: The aroma of juniper berry oil is fresh, fruity,woody and green. It has a balsamic undertone.The oil is pale and has a watery viscosity.

Largest Producing Countries: The largest producing countries of juniper berry oil are Nepal, France and Bulgaria.

Traditional Use: The medicinal qualities of juniper berry oil were recognised by human being in the early days itself.  It was used against infectious diseases like cholera, typhoid and plague in Tibet and Europe. Mongolian women were given this oil in the beginning of the labour pain. Yugoslavian believed that the juniper berry oil was a medicine for all diseases. Early days French hospitals used to burn this to clean the air. It is also a major ingredient for flavour in gin.

Properties: Juniper berry oil is used as main oil in aromatherapy. It helps in strengthening and motivating the nerves and helps you to face many challenges. It helps you to relieve urine retention by strengthening the muscles. It is very good medicine for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, acne, dermatitis, blocked pores cellulite, weeping eczemas and psoriasis. The oil is a antiseptic,, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, anti-rheumatic, depurative, diuretic, rebefacient, stimulating, sudorific, stomachic, tonic and vulnerary. It is used as a medicine for the enlargement of prostate gland and in cases of cystitis and kidney stone. Women use this oil for regulation of menstrual cycle and it reduces the pain during periods. It removes the uric acid hence gives relief in pain in cases of gout, arthritis and rheumatism. Juniper berry oil is also used to cure oily skin, eczema, dandruff and acne.

Blends Well With: The juniper berry oil blends well with all types of essential oils especially cypress, cedarwood, geranium, lavender, bergamot, lavandin, vetiver, clary sage, lemongrass and lime.

Of Interest: Olden time people had this interesting belief that juniper berry oil had the power to restore lost youth. Ancient Greeks used to burn the twigs and branches of juniper to fight against contagious diseases. English believed that by burning juniper branches its magical power wards off evil spirits, witches and demons. Greeks use to smear the oil on dead bodies. Europeans too believed that the oil is a magical cure for many diseases like typhoid, cholera, tapeworms and dysentery. Holistic medical branch uses this oil and thinks that the oil is versatile and therapeutic. Tibetans admire and believe in the power of juniper berry oil and juniper and use it as purification incense.  The native Americans use juniper in their cleansing ceremonies.

Safety Data: Avoid using the juniper berry oil during pregnancy. If you have any problems with the kidney or liver do not use the oil. Moderate use of the oil is recommended because it may have reaction on select few.