Botanical Name: Juniperus communis
Plant family: Cupressaceae
Native Region: Russia
Plant Part: Berries/Twigs
Essential Oil Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Blends well with: Woodsy oils
Juniper Berry is not actually a berry but comes from the core of the juniper tree. It takes three years to fully mature before it can be harvested for essential oils. Its woody and somewhat fruity aroma can promote relaxation and calm.
Juniper berry is a highly versatile oil with many health benefits. Its woodsy, spicy, and clean scent has a calming and grounding effect while working to cleanse and purify the air.
Growing Juniper Berry
Native to Europe, Asia, and the Northern Hemisphere, Juniper is an evergreen conifer tree that can grow up to 25 feet high and live as long as 200 years. The leaves of the tree are needle-like with prickly points and green in color. The fruit of the tree is a berry-like cone that is fleshy and aromatic. The male trees sprout yellow cones, while the female trees sprout green cones. To extract the essential oil, the berries and twigs of the juniper tree are steam-distilled to capture the therapeutic benefits.
The History of Juniper Berry
Juniper Berries have a long history of both culinary and medicinal uses. The earliest medicinal use of Juniper Berries was in ancient Egypt in 1500 BCE to cure tapeworm. The Romans used juniper berries to help aid in digestion. The Greeks believed feeding juniper berries to athletes gave them physical stamina. In Central European folk medicine, the berries were considered a cure for a variety of disorders. In North America, natives used Juniper to treat respiratory conditions and cuts and wounds.
The Science of Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Juniper Berry contains a variety of compounds including a-pinene, myrcene, sabinene, limonene, and β-pinene.
Benefits of Juniper Berry Essential Oil
1. Skin Support
Juniper Berry oil contains natural antibacterial abilities, helping to fight skin irritations such as rashes or eczema. Because of its antiseptic abilities, it can help treat acne and act as a gentle astringent.
It is also a great oil to use in massage to promote relaxation and soothe sore muscles.
How to use
Dilute juniper berry oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil and apply to the skin, or drop one drop of juniper berry oil into a warm bowl of water to steam the face.
To create a massage oil, add one drop of juniper berry oil to a carrier oil or lotion.
2. Emotional Support
The aroma of Juniper Berry essential oil can reduce stress and relax the mind. It has a calming effect on the brain, helping fight the effects of anxiety.
Blends well with
To ease your mind and relax your body, blend juniper berry oil with sandalwood or lavender essential oils.
How to use
Diffuse Juniper Berry essential oil or apply diluted to your wrists and back of the neck.
3. Improve Digestion
Juniper Berry essential oil can help to stimulate the digestive process. It’s also a natural detoxifier and diuretic, helping relieve bloating and stomach upset.
Blends well with
To promote digestion and ease stomach discomfort, blend Juniper Berry essential oil with peppermint essential oil.
How to use
Apply juniper oil, diluted, to your stomach.
4. Sleep Support
Because of its relaxation qualities, juniper berry oil can be effective in promoting restful sleep and a calm environment. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, Juniper Berry can help calm the mind and encourage rest.
Blends well with
To encourage restful sleep, blend juniper berry oil with cedarwood, lavender, or frankincense essential oils.
How to use
Diffuse Juniper Berry essential oil in your bedroom an hour before going to sleep.
5. Soothe Sore Muscles
Juniper berry oil is an effective remedy for relieving pain and inflammation. It can be applied topically to areas of injury, aches, pain, or arthritis. It warms the skin and soothes sore muscles, providing you with relief.
Blends well with
To soothe sore muscles, blend juniper berry oil with cypress, frankincense, or peppermint essential oils.
How to use
Massage Juniper Berry essential oil with a carrier oil to areas of pain or soreness.
Safety
It’s important to dilute juniper berry oil to prevent skin irritation. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant, consult your physician before use. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not ingest.
Juniper Berry Diffuser Blends
Diffusing juniper berry can support the mind and body while making your home smell amazing. Add a few drops of essential oils to your diffuser based on the size of your room and desired strength.
Fresh Breeze
2 drops Bergamot
1 drop Cedarwood
3 drops Juniper Berry
Sleep Dreams
3 drops Lavender
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Juniper Berry
Rise and Shine
2 drops Juniper Berry
2 drops Rosemary
2 drops Lime
Just Breathe
1 drop Lime
3 drops Juniper Berry
3 drops Cypress
