Single Oil Look: Juniper

Almost everyone has experienced the fresh aroma of the Juniper tree. Those poky needles are pungent when broken or crushed in ones hand. This, along with Peppermint, is one of those childhood Winter scents. Long used by many cultures, including the Egyptians to purify the body and for ritual use, it 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, 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 5 drops, depending on skin sensitivity, to 5 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 to joints suffering from arthritis. 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

NOTES: Penelope Ody, "The Complete Medicinal Herbal" (DK 1993)

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