Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Synonyms
–
Origin
A small evergreen conifer tree which reaches up to 4m. It has bluish-green prickly needles and produces an abundance of bluish-black berries. Juniper has a wide natural distribution and can be found growing wild in North America, Europe (including Britain), northern Asia, Korea and Japan. The oil is mainly produced in eastern Europe, France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Canada.
Extraction Method
Steam distillation of the crushed, dried (or partially dried) berries. A cheaper quality oil is also distilled from the needles and wood. It is necessary up to 30-50kg of berries or 500 kg of fresh Juniper needles to obtain 1 kg of essential oil.
Nature of the Oil
The oil captured from the needles and wood is not recommended for aromatherapy, neither is that extracted from fermented berries (see ‘Cautions’). The highest grade juniper berry oil is virtually colourless. The aroma is fresh and woody with a pleasant peppery overtone. Its odour effect is uplifting to the spirits and yet also warming and calming; a reputed aphrodisiac. The oil from the berries is slightly sweeter and less harsh than that from the wood and needles. It is a colourless or pale yellow liquid.
Perfumery Note – Middle. The aroma lasts 2-3 days.
Main Constituents:

Properties
Antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, depurative, diuretic, emmenagoguic, nervine, parasiticidal, rubefacient, sedative, sudorific, tonic, vulnerary.
Therapeutic Properties
Juniper is a warming, stimulating and tonifying oil. It makes an excellent refreshing and detoxifying addition to many bath oils and massage oils, and may also be used in inhalations and room freshening.
The main action of juniper is on the kidneys and urinary system. It can be appropriate for both excessive and diminished urination and is one of the most important oils in the treatment of cystitis, especially when this is worse in cold weather.
Juniper will encourage the elimination of uric acid and other toxins that a cold, sluggish system may fail to excrete efficiently. For this reason it is known as a blood purifier. It combines well with cypress to treat fluid retention, obesity and cellulite, and can also be used in the treatment of urinary stones (use in compresses over the lower back) and gout (use in footbaths or compresses). Juniper is an important oil in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis, especially in cases that are worse in cold weather. Combine it with a rubbing oil and massage over the affected parts or use in a compress.
This is a good oil for tonifying the glandular system, particularly the adrenals and pancreas — use it in baths and massage blends. It has also been used to treat leucorrhoea, and absent, painful or scanty periods. It used to be thought that juniper oil should be avoided by pregnant women, because juniper berries taken internally can cause miscarriage, but in fact juniper oil used externally is not abortifacient and is safe to use at normal dilutions during pregnancy.
Aromatherapeutic Uses
Skin and hair care (oily), acne, weeping eczema, haemorrhoids, wounds, cellulite, arthritic and rheumatic complaints, muscular aches and pains, loss of periods outside pregnancy, painful menstruation, cystitis, pre-menstrual syndrome, nervous tension, stress-related disorders.
Psychological Profile
Juniper is appropriate if you were misunderstood and lonely in childhood. You may have appeared shy and, from fear of rejection, kept to yourself. In later life this may have developed into aloofness and a lack of the ability to give and receive warmth and affection. The lack of emotional care as a child may also develop into a neglect in looking after yourself physically. The use of juniper will promote a more optimistic outlook and encourage a warmer and friendlier state of being.
Blends Well With
Essential oils of Bergamot, Cedarwood, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood and all the citrus oils.
Our safety advice
Because of its high alpha-pinene content we recommend that oxidation of juniperberry oil is avoided by storage in a dark, airtight container in a refrigerator. The addition of an antioxidant to preparations containing it is recommended.
Cautions
Although juniper oil is often cited as being irritant to skin, this may be due to the fact that the market is flooded with adulterated juniper oils masquerading as ‘pure’. The lower grade oils extracted from the wood or the berries are often adulterated with turpentine. Juniper in any shape or form should be avoided by those with kidney disease as it may be nephrotoxic if used without specialist knowledge. Avoid during pregnancy.

References
1. C. Wildwood “The Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy”, Vermont, Healing Arts Press, 1996
2. R. Tisserand, R. Young, E. M Williamson “Essential Oil Safety. A Guide for Health Care Professionals”, Churchill Livingstone ELSEVIER, 2014
3. S. Curtis “Essential Oils”, AURUM, London, 1996
4. R. Balz “The Healing Power of Essential Oils”, LOTUS LIGHT SHANGRI-LA, Twin Lakes, 1996
5. Л.ГДудченко, Г.П.Потебня, Н.А.Кривенко «Ароматерапия и аромамасаж», «Максимум», Киев, 1999