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Essential Oil of Juniper

© Marie A. Miczak

Almost everyone has experienced the fresh aroma of a Juniper tree; those poky needles, so pungent when broken or crushed in the hand, along with those telltale dark blue berries. Long used by many cultures, including the Egyptians to purify the body and for ritual use, juniper has actually been found to aid in the filtering of waste products by the kidneys. It also has been found, in essential oil form, to kill bacteria on surfaces and in the air.

The light yellow essential oil, which is produced using steam distillation of the dark berries, has also been a folk remedy for gout, muscle pains and arthritic conditions. Traditionally used in the form of long soaking baths, it can also be applied in massage oil form. For this, one would want to add about five drops essential oil, depending on skin sensitivity, to five tablespoons base oil, such as jojoba, for quick absorption into the skin, or sweet almond to seal out water. The massage form is quite helpful for joints suffering from arthritis.

Another oil distilled from Juniper is called, "Cade Oil." Extracted from the heartwood, this dark oil is also known as juniper tar oil. Despite being called a tar and looking black like motor oil, it is said to be non-irritating to the skin and has been used externally to heal chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It is also thought to be disinfecting in nature.

Caution must be taken with Juniper though, especially when in its highly concentrated essential oil form. Due to the pungent nature of Juniper, it may not be suitable for personal perfuming. It may on the other hand blend nicely with other resinous essential oils for use in home scenting and natural room fresheners. These can be made by adding a few drops to a spray bottle filled with spring water and are perfect for the bathroom. Primarily women whom are pregnant should completely avoid Juniper as it can induce contractions. On the other hand, during birth, Juniper may be helpful in a quicker delivery. People with liver problems should also avoid Juniper due to irritation it may cause with long term use. Juniper is best used sporadically and for household cleaning purposes. As with all essential oils, always dilute before using and do a patch test to determine if you are allergic to it or not.

-MAM

Marie Anakee Miczak is the author of a number of books including, "Secret Potions, Elixirs & Concoctions" and "How Flowers Heal". For more information visit her official website http://www.anakee.com &/or her online store http://www.botanicaluse.com .

The copyright of the article Essential Oil of Juniper in Aromatherapy is owned by Marie A. Miczak. Permission to republish Essential Oil of Juniper in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.