Benefits of Juniper Berry Essential Oil

Studies have shown that juniper berry essential oil from the juniperus communis or common juniper species has analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiputrefactive, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, digestive, diuretic, sedative, antirheumatic and stomachic properties. Some of the constituents of juniper oil are a-pinene, camphene, terpinen-4-ol, bornyl acetate, cayophyllene, linalool, borneol and nerol.

Juniper essential oil is extracted through steam distillation or carbon dioxide extraction from the small, round and bluish black berries. Beside the volatile oil, the therapeutic properties of juniper berries are also derived from its other constituents namely flavonoid glycosides, tannins, gum, lignin, resin, sugar, salines and water.

Juniper berries have been used as folk medicine for centuries and can be traced as far back as 1550BC. It was used as a laxative to induce bowel movements, to promote menstruation, to assist in childbirth, to treat urinary tract infections and as a remedy for cholera, heart problems, gonorrhea, arthritis and typhoid fever. It was also used to add flavor to gin.

Herbalist and aroma therapist have now established many other benefits of juniper berry essential oil. Some of the uses of the common juniper oil are as follows:

1. Juniper berry oil and juniper tea can be used as a compress to treat skin problems and inflammations such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. It may also help treat cuts and wounds.
   
   
   
2. Because of its diuretic effect, juniper berry can help increase urine flow and reduce the risk of edema.
   
   
   
3. Juniper oil when used in vapor therapy has the potential to reduce anxiety, stress, fatigue, mental exhaustion, nasal congestion, the common cold and cough and excrete excessive phlegm.
   
   
   
4. A bath with juniper berry essential oil mixed with avocado oil or jojoba oil may also help is also therapeutic.
   
   
   
5. You can also sprinkle several drops to your cream, lotion, moisturizer and toner to make use of its healing properties. It is beneficial for oily skin and may help treat acne and blocked pores.
   
   
   
6. It has shown to be effective in treating heartburn, indigestion and other digestive problems.
   
   
   
7. Its anti inflammatory properties may help provide relief from aches, chronic back pain, joint pains, arthritis, sciatica, rheumatism and gout. You can use the oil to massage or as a compress to treat these ailments.
   
   
   
8. Chewing the fresh juniper berries helps mask bad breath and also heal infected gums. Other uses of juniper oil include as a remedy for cystitis, urethritis, cellulite, hangover and flatulence.

Besides juniper essential oil, you can purchase whole and dried juniper berries, juniper powder, and aromatherapy massage oil. Juniper extract is used as an ingredient in scent inhaler, body scrub, shower gel and soaps. For consumption, there is juniper tea, tinctures and extract in capsules.

You can combine juniper oil with other oils such as cedarwood essential oil, lavender and lemongrass essential oil when used topically or in aromatherapy. For internal use, juniper blends well with buchu, parsley and uva ursi.

Since juniper berry oil has the ability to stimulate menstruation, pregnant women should avoid using it because it can stimulate the uterine muscles. Ingestion of juniper berry is also not recommended if you have kidney problems or other major health issues such as diabetes.

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