by B. Stone

Created on: February 24, 2009   Last Updated: April 17, 2009

Juniper essential oil has been used since the times of antiquity for its medicinal properties. The essential oil is made from steam distilled juniper berries, the same berries used to make gin. Juniper is well known for its stimulating and cleansing properties, and as an overall health tonic. It was used by the Ancient Egyptians, as well as in Europe during the Middle Ages to ward off the plague and cholera for its antibacterial chemical constituents. Juniper oil has a peppery, woody fresh smell that promotes a clean, positive atmosphere. It's main components are beta and alpha pinenes, terpinenes, sabinene, and myrcene. Today, herbalists recommend juniper oil to treat a variety of ailments from skin irritations to arthritis.

Juniper oil has a high level of astringent and antiseptic properties. Because it naturally kills bacteria and fungus, it can be used to prevent the spread of infections. It also helps to prevent tissue degeneration. As well, this makes it a great treatment for the skin, as it will clean, and prevent redness or inflammation. Juniper oil can relieve eczema, acne, and oily skin. It can be mixed with a carrier oil, such as grapeseed, jojoba, or sweet almond oil, or blended with witch hazel and water to make a skin toner. Juniper essential oil is highly concentrated; only a few drops are needed to make any treatment blend. For a facial cleanser, blend 4 drops of juniper for every one ounce of jojoba oil, or other carrier. For a body lotion, use 8 to 10 drops for an 8 ounce bottle of unscented lotion.

Because juniper oil helps with fluid retention, thereby preventing dehydration, it can be used to treat kidney stones, or other problems with the liver and bladder. It encourages glomerular filtration, which releases potassium, sodium, and chlorine from the body. Juniper is an overall cleansing tonic, helping to release excess compounds. The health benefits of juniper can be utilized in this way either by burning the oil or in a bath, as the active ccmpounds are picked up by the olfactory nerves.

Juniper oil is also great for treating cellulite. Basically, juniper stimulates the skin's connective tissue, making it firmer. It also encourages circulation, which promotes some fat cells to dissolve. Once again, a few drops of juniper oil can be mixed with a grape seed, apricot, almond or olive oil, and then applied to the skin. To treat cellulite, it is recommended to rub the area first to increase circulation.

As an aroma-therapeutic oil, juniper is known to calm and strengthen the nervous system. Juniper is great to have around in stressful times, or even if you have general feelings of negativity or anxiety. The aroma of juniper will give you courage and stability. The oil can be burned, or mixed with water and steamed. Also, taking a juniper bath will heal any case of nervous tension, as well as treating aches and pains because of its anti-inflammatory abilities. Juniper blends well with lavender, rosemary, lime, and bergamot.

Juniper oil can truly work wonders for the body, healing the nervous system, the skin, and cleaning major organs. Pregnant women, however, should never use juniper as it can stimulate uterine contractions.

Sources:

http://www.essentialoils.co.za/ essential-oils/juniper-berry.htm

Bond, Annie. Juniper's Secrets for Health and Beauty

http://ezinearticles.com/?Juniper-Pure-Essenti al-Oil&id=113543

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