The Juniper Berry, along with its leaves and branches, have been used for centuries to serve spiritual and medicinal purposes. In ancient times, Juniper was believed to act as a protector from evil spirits, negative forces, and illnesses. It has been referenced often in the Old Testament, namely in Psalms 120:4, a verse that describes the burning of a deceitful person with ill intentions with the coals of the broom tree, a species of the Juniper shrub that grows in Palestine. One of the many interpretations of this passage views the burning as a metaphor for cleansing, purifying, and eliminating false and negative energies with Juniper.
Juniper Berry has an extensive history of medicinal uses in numerous ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt and Tibet, Juniper was highly regarded as medicine and as an integral part of religious incense. In 1550 BCE, Juniper was discovered to be an effective treatment for tapeworms on a papyrus in Egypt. The crop was also important amongst Indigenous people of many different cultures, having been used for medicinal treatments for urinary infections, respiratory conditions, arthritis symptoms and rheumatic conditions. Indigenous people also burned Juniper Berries to cleanse and purify the air.
The main constituents of Juniper Berry Essential Oil are a-Pinene, Sabinene, B-Myrcene, Terpinene-4-ol, Limonene, b-Pinene, Gamma-Terpinene, Delta 3 Carene, and a-Terpinene. This chemical profile contributes to Juniper Berry Essential Oil's beneficial properties.
A-PINENE is believed to:
SABINENE is believed to:
B-MYRCENE is believed to:
TERPINEN-4-OL is believed to:
LIMONENE is believed to:
B-PINENE is believed to:
GAMMA-TERPINENE is believed to:
DELTA 3 CARENE is believed to:
A-TERPINENE is believed to:
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Juniper Berry Essential Oil is highly beneficial for use on skin that is troubled by inflammation. Antioxidants such as a-Pinene, b-Pinene, and Sabine act as a natural healer that detoxifies congested skin. Meanwhile, the antibacterial properties of Juniper Berry Oil can reduce the appearance of blemishes, absorb excess oil, and help control breakouts triggered by hormonal imbalance. Juniper Berry can also improve the appearance of stretch marks. Along with its powerful antioxidant profile, Juniper Berry aids in slowing the signs of aging by encouraging water retention in the skin, resulting in a supple and glowing complexion. Overall, Juniper Berry Essential Oil's abundance in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties makes it an effective treatment while also protecting the skin's barrier from environmental stressors.
In Aromatherapy, Juniper Berry is one of the most popular Essential Oils for meditation and other spiritual practices. Constituents such as a-Terpinene, a-Pinene, and b-Pinene may contribute to Juniper Berry's soothing and relaxing scent, while aiding in balancing emotions. Diffusing Juniper Berry Essential Oil can help melt away mental stress and create a positive atmosphere.
As a pretreatment, the Juniper seeds require at least two days of soaking before being sown into soil that is rocky and dry or medium-dry. The crop thrives best in full to partial sun exposure and a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH (between 6.0 and 8.0). Juniper Berries take between two and three years to ripen, resulting in a plant possessing both underripe green berries and ripened dark blue variety. The size of a mature shrub will be between 12 and 50 feet tall, with a width of 10-40 feet.
Mature Juniper Berries are harvested in the autumn, where the branches are gently beaten with sticks to release the berries. The berries are then spread out in small layers in the shade, so that they dry without fermenting.
Juniper Berry Essential Oil is steam-distilled from the berry part of the plant. Once ripe, the berries are placed in a chamber where steam is emitted to encourage oil release. The steam and oils are moved to a condenser, where the cooling action separates the Essential Oil from the steam and transforms the steam into water.
The needles and twigs also release an Essential Oil, although it is not as aromatic or as effective as the oil extracted from the berries.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich chemical profile, Juniper Berry Essential Oil is commonly used in Aromatherapy, massages, during meditation and spiritual practices, and in skin care formulations. Juniper Berry is especially versatile amongst skin care purposes because of its astringent properties. It can be used as a spot treatment, as a toner, or as a serum. Simply dilute the Essential Oil with your choice of Carrier Oil prior to applying to the skin.
Juniper Berry's historical association with spirituality makes this Essential Oil a popular choice for use in meditation. The oil is believed to possess grounding and relaxing properties that can set the perfect tone for any meditation practice. Regarding aromatherapy, Juniper Berry's chemical profile is believed to be beneficial in supporting cognitive function and overall mental health. Its calming scent is also believed to produce sedative effects. Diffusing Juniper Berry Essential Oil during meditation or prior to sleep may help one feel calm and relaxed.
Juniper Berry Essential Oil is believed to provide an effective cleanse when applied topically. This, along with its soothing qualities, makes Juniper Berry an effective oil for a cleansing and relaxing massage. Blend Juniper Berry Essential Oil with Fractionated Coconut Oil to enhance its abilities to rejuvenate the skin, calm the mind, and relax the muscles.
1. COLD CREAM WITH FRANKINCENSE AND JUNIPER BERRY (source: Under a Tin Roof)
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2. JUNIPER BERRY AND LAVENDER BATH SOAK (source: mommypotamus)
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3. CYPRESS AND JUNIPER BERRY FOAMING WASH (source: Jenni Raincloud)
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4. JUNIPER MUSCLE RUB (source: Loving Essential Oils)
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JUNIPER BERRY (HUNGARY) ESSENTIAL OIL
Botanical Name: Juniperus communis L. cupressaceae.
Obtained From: Berries
Origin: Hungary
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
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JUNIPER BERRY ESSENTIAL OIL (INDIA)
Botanical Name: Juniperus communis
Obtained From: Berries
Origin: India
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
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JUNIPER BERRY ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL
Botanical Name: Juniperus communis L.
Obtained From: Berries
Origin: Bulgaria
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Organic Juniper Berry Essential Oil is believed to:
As with all NDA products, Juniper Berry Essential Oils is for external use only, and is not recommended to be ingested. Although it is rare to experience adverse effects from using Essential Oils, possible symptoms of negative side effects include rashes and/or gastrointestinal distress (such as stomach pain, nausea, and hyperacidity).
Pregnant women are strongly advised against using certain Essential Oils due to their potential emmenagogue effects. If you are pregnant or nursing and insist on using these oils, it is recommended that you seek the medical guidance of a physician prior to use. The oil should always be kept out of reach of children.