Juniper Berry Juniperus communis
Part of Plant Used: Steam distilled from crushed, dried or partly dried ripe berries.
Aroma: Fresh, fruity, warm, woody, sweet and a pine-needle aroma.
Grown in: Northern Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and France.
Juniper berry was used in Ancient Greece in the form of incense for rituals and to clear out and disinfect the air from a rapid spread of disease. Tibetans and Native Americans used this plant for ceremonial purposes, for protection and also for colds, flu, arthritis and muscle aches . This is a funny superstition, in the Middle Ages, Europeans believed that planting a Juniper tree outside their door kept witches out and they could enter ONLY if they correctly guessed the number of its needles; what an impossible criteria to meet! It’s often used as a condiment or a flavoring for foods and beverages such as gin and bitters. Juniper berry is also used in make-up, soaps, detergents, lotions and perfumes and many more items. This is also a good oil now to help us with circulation and detoxing our bodies and helping with inflammation.
CAUTION: Avoid during pregnancy and if you have kidney disease. Keep away from children. Prolonged use can cause kidney problems.
Be cautious of skin sensitization if the bottle is oxidized (going rancid) usually after 1-3 years this can happen , just depending on the essential oil. ALWAYS DO A SKIN TEST FIRST 24 HOURS BEFORE USE ON WRIST AREA, WHEN USING ON THE SKIN.
Skin:
Juniper Berry is helpful with weeping ezcema, acne, psoriasis, cold sores, wounds, oily scalp, varicose veins and cellulite. Loaded with antimicrobial properties which have anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-bacterial and antiseptic chemical compositions that can help with some inflammations on the skin. The monoterpenes in this oil are high in antioxidants that can increase better absorption into the dermal layer; which then can promote healing.
Recipes:
Pimple Reducer: You can apply juniper berry directly with a q-tip to a blemish to help it heal.
Cellulite Reducer: Fennel 4d, juniper berry 2d in 1oz Carrier oil.
Rub on the area 2x’s a day for a week, then give a break for a week then start back up.
GLOWY SKIN FOR BODY:
Salt Scrub Recipe for Circulation & Cellulite: Juniper 5d, Cypress 2d and Grapefruit 5d. This will stimulate circulation and get rid of some dead layers of skin on the surface, which can then help the cells move under the skin. This will create a beautiful glow. Only use this scrub on the body and do not use on broken skin and wait 24-48 hours after shaving.
You will need a bowl to put these items in and…
-2 cups of SEA SALT(fine)
-1/2 cup of carrier oils ( ex, almond, olive oil, or sunflower oil) If you use coconut oil, you have to
melt it with a double boiler so it stays stable while melting.
-7-15 drops of essential oil. I created a blend up above, or you can make your own depending on your aroma preference.
You will mix the salt into the bowl, then add the carrier oils, then add in the essential oils. Mix them all together and you are ready to go!
Jump in shower , wet your skin and take a small palm amount of scrub and rub it all over. Maybe on backs of your arms, around chest, upper thighs, all over. Just make sure to avoid the face and delicate skin areas.
When finished you can use moisturizer or oil to hydrate!
Hope you enjoyed! Thanks for reading!
DD
Sources: The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy by Salvatore Battaglia
Foundations of Aromatherapy by Jade Shutes
Aromatherapy A Complete Guide To The Healing Art by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green.
Https://highermindincense.com/juniper-incense-traditions
