by Gina Lawton

Created on: August 04, 2011   Last Updated: August 05, 2011

In the world of natural healing, juniper berry oil is one of the heavy hitters for versatility and effectiveness. Its usage can be traced to ancient Greece, where this medicinal miracle was used to treat a plethora of ailments, from arthritis to toxicity. Throughout the centuries and around the globe, juniper oil has been a favorite of those seeking natural cures and treatments.

The juniper bush is a member of the evergreen family. The most effective oil is distilled from the berries of the plant, although the needles and wood are also used. It's aroma is sweet, woodsy and calming in nature, making it an effective help in soothing nerves and relaxing the user. It carries with it antispasmodic properties, which make it an effective cramp reducer for any cramp, be it digestive, uterine, or respiratory in nature.

Juniper also stimulates the nervous system of the human body, making it helpful for a variety of ailments. It has historically been used as an antiseptic and has aided prevention against tetanus and other infectious diseases.  During the middle ages, juniper oil was used to ward off even bubonic plague (black death) and cholera (http://guide2herbalremedies.com/juniper-oil-benefit s-and-uses/). Its astringent properties make it valuable in treating toothaches, reducing hemorrhage (and can be used even on mother and child during childbirth), and treating diarrhea.  Its highly effective in both cleaning and preventing infection in wounds, so it's a terrific go-to household therapeutic oil. 

Another helpful component of juniper oil involves its use as a highly potent diuretic. Juniper oil naturally stimulates the body to relieve itself of excess fluids, reducing the swelling associated with menstruation, faulty kidneys, or other water retention issues. While "flushing" the body of excess fluid, juniper oil thus helps the body rid itself of toxins, reduces weight, and reducing blood pressure.

Because juniper oil is both a purifying agent (depurative) and a perspiration agent (sudorific), juniper oil makes an excellent detoxifying remedy. Juniper cleanses the blood both of naturally occurring toxins like uric acid, as well as toxins accidentally introduced into the body. By stimulating the sweat glands, juniper helps lift toxins to the surface of the skin, when they can be washed away. It cleanses the pours and therefore is also an effective treatment for acne.

In addition, some studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of juniper oil can reduce the symptoms of rheumatic arthritis. Because it reduces the amount of uric acid in the system, it has held claim to treating rheumatism, gout, and arthritis. According to the Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, juniper has been used effective to treat painful joints for centuries.

Another benefit of this wonder oil is that the side effects and cautions are minimal. Since it does affect the kidneys, those with known kidney issues should avoid it. Also, prolonged use may cause damage to the kidneys or urinary tract, so employ the advice of your doctor or homeopathic advisor. If you are pregnant or nursing, you also need to avoid juniper oil, because it stimulates uterine nerves as well.

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