Juniper berry is one of the oldest and most versatile essential oils in aromatherapy. The Juniper tree was even called “the savior of fields” by the ancient Greeks because it could be used to ward off pests from grape vines. It also played an important role in Chinese medicine as an agent against asthma and rheumatism, among other conditions. Juniper berry oil has a refreshing and sharp, piney aroma that is ideal for those who want something more stimulating than lavender or eucalyptus but are not interested in rosemary’s camphoraceous flavor.
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It can also be helpful for headaches or respiratory congestion due to its ability to stimulate circulation from within the sinuses. It is the perfect essential oil to keep in your home medicine cabinet because it has such a wide array of uses. The juniper plant has a long history of use in medicine and potpourris for its aromatic properties. Its wood was used to build homes that were resistant to pests and ornament furniture due to its natural silica properties. The berries were used both as food by humans and as bait for other animals. Juniper berries have been used throughout the ages in everything from homemade cakes to wine, gin drinks, medicines, and more. Juniper berry oil blends well with basil, bergamot, lavender, grapefruit, and eucalyptus.
Juniper Berry Essential Oil Health Benefits:
1) Breathing
The powerful aroma of Juniper berries can help relieve respiratory issues. Place a few drops on a diffuser or vaporizer when you have sinus congestion or other breathing problems. This aroma can also stimulate circulation in your lungs and eases coughing. Diffuse Juniper berry oil with Peppermint and Eucalyptus oils to help relieve respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.
2) Pain
Juniper berry oil is an effective analgesic, relieving headaches and pains of arthritis. It can also be used in massage oils when applied to the neck and spine. It is recommended to use Peppermint and Eucalyptus oils when adding juniper berry oil to massage oil as they can help counter the sharpness of this essential oil.
3) Digestion
The juniper-berry essential oil has been used in traditional herbal medicines as a remedy for indigestion, flatulence, and other gastrointestinal issues. For best results, you should diffuse or apply several drops of essential oil to the abdomen several times a day with your fingers or a diffuser. The juniper berry properties can also help stimulate pressure points in your abdomen.
4) Respiratory Problems
Juniper berry essential oil has been used to treat colds, flu, coughs, and congestion since ancient times. It is a great oil for use on the chest and diffuser with eucalyptus or peppermint to help you breathe easier.
5) Skin
The properties of juniper berries are believed to be astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal. One of the most popular ways to use it is as a topical application for skin and hair problems. A few drops of this oil on a cotton ball or sponge and applied to the skin can help relieve itching and other irritations, rashes, pimples, or acne.
6) Skin Conditions
Juniper oil may also be used to soothe dry and itchy skin. The anti-inflammatory properties make this an ideal oil to use for eczema or psoriasis. Both conditions are characterized by skin inflammation, so promoting inflammation subsides is critical to helping these problems diminish.
7) Cellulite
Juniper berry has been used as an ingredient in massage oils that can aid in fighting cellulite. The circulation-stimulating properties of the oil can help reduce the under-skin inflammation that develops as a result of obesity.
8) Weight Loss
The stimulating properties of this essential oil may also be helpful in weight-loss management. Stimulate circulation in the abdomen and notice if this helps with your feeling of hunger. Massage your abdomen regularly with a few drops of juniper berry or add 2 or 3 drops to a carrier oil to use on your abdomen at night before bedtime.
How Is Juniper Berry Essential Oil Extracted?
Step 1: From the Juniper tree, which is one of the oldest and most versatile essential oils in aromatherapy.
Step 2: Harvest the pine needles from the branches of the tree.
Step 3: Collect the berries when they turn amber-colored and ripe.
Step 4: The berries are crushed to release the oil. It is light in color but has a dark reddish tint. This oil should not be used directly because it contains a high concentration of the hazardous compound eugenol which can be toxic if ingested orally or inhaled (oral ingestion of juniper berries leads to gastrointestinal irritation).
Step 5: The oil is bottled after processing to preserve the quality and potency of the oil.
This oil can be used as a dietary supplement, but it is not recommended for use on babies younger than 1 year or pregnant women as it has been reported by some mothers to cause potential harm to infants if ingested orally. It should not be used in pregnancy due to its diuretic properties. Juniper berry essential oil should always be kept out of reach of children due to the high toxicity of this essential oil which may be fatal if ingested or inhaled.
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DIY Recipes For Juniper Berry Essential Oil:
Recipe 1: Oil Mix For The Skin Solution
Ingredients:
- 5 drops of juniper berry essential oil,
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil, and
- 1 tbsp of coconut butter.
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients and apply them to the affected area (the skin or hair).
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off with warm water.
- You can add another few drops of essential oil if you don’t feel satisfied with the smell.
Recipe 2: Deodorant
Ingredients:
- 5 drops of juniper berry essential oil,
- 5 drops of peppermint essential oil, and
- 3 drops of grapefruit essential oil.
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl or bottle and apply to your underarm area before bedtime.
- Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after you apply this deodorant.
Recipe 3: Exfoliating Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of sugar,
- 5 drops of juniper berry essential oil, and
- 5 drops of lemon essential oil.
Method:
- Mix the sugars in a bowl and add the juniper berry and lemon essential oils, mix it well by rubbing between your hands.
- Apply this scrub on dry skin areas (front feet, knees, and elbows).
- Wash off with warm water after 10 minutes then pat yourself dry with a clean towel.
FAQs:
1) What are the side effects of using juniper berry oil?
Juniper oil can have a strong odor that may be too strong for some people. However, it is toxic if ingested orally or inhaled which is why you should choose other ways of application. Juniper berry oil is known to have some side effects. Some of them are headache, dizziness, nausea, and upset stomach.
2) Does it make your brain cells work faster?
No studies have been conducted to prove or disprove this claim. However, common beliefs regarding juniper berries make them a popular ingredient in cognitive-enhancing formulas sold overseas as well as in Canada and the United States.
