Juniper Berry, Wildcrafted

Product Details

Botanical name

Juniperus communis

Extraction method / Source

Steam distillation / Crushed, partially dried ripe berries

Aroma

Fresh, sweet, balsamic, tenacious

Note classification

Middle

Odor Intensity

Key constituents

Alpha-pinene 32 - 35%, sabinene, myrcene, p-cymene, 1,4 cineole, terpinene-4-ol

Plant description

Botanical family: Cupressaceae

Juniperus communis is an evergreen bush native to Europe, Asia and the northern hemisphere. The bush is typically about 2-6 feet in height but sometimes reaches as high as 25 feet. Male juniper bushes have yellow cones and female bushes have bluish-green cones. Both have silvery-green leaves which are needle-like. The green berries take 3 years to ripen to a blue color. Juniper bushes can live for up to 2000 years.

Regions of Production

Hungary

Growing Practices

Plants indigenous to the region are harvested from the wild, away from pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

History / Fun Facts

Juniper was commonly burned as ritual incense by the ancient Greeks, Tibetans and Native Americans. In Greece it was also burned to help combat epidemic diseases.

Properties

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory (Schnaubelt, 2011), antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, depurative, detoxicant, rubifacient, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vulnerary (Battaglia, 2003).

Please refer to the Glossary for terms which may be new to you.

Uses / Benefits

Helps with the treatment of bladder infection or urinary stones (Note: if you have a fever or pus in your urine, seek immediate medical attention). Recommended for weeping eczema, acne and psoriasis. Helps relieve nervousness and mental fatigue. Promotes healthy circulation and warm cold hands and feet. Also used as a natural fragrance in soaps and skin care products.

Fragrant influences

Juniper Berry essential oil is mood uplifting and refreshing, and it improves mental clarity and memory. Promotes spiritual purification: helps drive out negative energy.

Modes of Administration

Topical: massage, compress, bath, sitz bath, skin care

Inhalation: direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer

Blends well with

Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Safety

Reported to be non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing. Avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease (Battaglia, 2003)

Notice

This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Although we strive to provide information which is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

Precautions

Pure essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Do not use them undiluted, or in the eyes or mucus membranes. If applying an essential oil to the skin, always dilute it with a proper carrier oil and test on a small patch of skin before applying to a large area. Do not take them internally except under the direction of a qualified professional trained in Aromatherapy. Always familiarize yourself with the safety, contraindications and proper preparation of each essential oil before use. Note that when using essential oils for children and the elderly, very low concentrations should be used. Keep all essential oils away from children and pets.

References

Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Second Edition, 2003. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia

Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate, and Heal, 2002. Prentice Hall Press, New York, NY.

International Fragrance Research Association, http://www.ifraorg.org/en-us/standards (January 5, 2016)

Price, Shirley, Aromatherapy for Common Ailments, 1991, Gaia Books Ltd., London, England

Schnaubelt, Kurt, The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy, 2011. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.

Tourles, Stephanie L., Hands On Healing Remedies, 2012. Storey Publishing, North Adams, MA.

Williams, David G., The Chemistry of Essential Oils, 1996. Micelle Press, Dorcet, England

Worwood, Valerie Ann, The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, 1991. New World Library, Novato, California

TIMELESS Essential Oils guarantees the purity and quality of all our therapeutic oils. The current Certificate of Analysis is available upon request. All essential oils are best stored in an airtight container away from heat and light.