Woodsy, sweet, crisp, and with a lovely fruity note, there is no doubt that juniper berry essential oil (Juniperus communis) has a very appealing scent. However, there is so much more to this impressive essential oil with its many versatile uses than its amazing fragrant.
So, we are going to be shining the spotlight on the nifty juniper berry essential oil in this article. Let’s check out what this essential oil can do for your body.
What is Juniper Berry Essential Oil Made Of?
Juniper berry essential oil is derived from the berry-like seed cones of Juniperus communis. An evergreen coniferous tree, Juniperus communis can grow to as tall as 10 meters and can even live for up to 200 years.
The tree is grey-brown and has slender reddish-brown twigs with green needle-like leaves. Its fruits are berry-like and require up to three growing seasons to mature — at which point they turn from green to a dark blue color. Babylonians, Sumerians, native Americans, and Europeans have long used these berries for spiritual, culinary, and medicinal purposes.
Once native to the mountains in Asia, North America, northern Europe, Scandinavia, and Siberia, Juniperus communis is now grown for its essential oil in Austria, France, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Italy, Canada, and India.
How is Juniper Berry Essential Oil Extracted?
Juniper berry essential oil is extracted from the fruits of juniper.
The juniper berries require around two to three years to ripe. In the fall, harvesters will carefully and gently beat the branches of the bush, until the ripe berries fall.
The collected berries are then spread out to dry slowly under the shade to prevent fermentation. Once dried, the berries turn into the familiar blue-black color associated with berries. The berries are then steam-distilled to produce juniper berry essential oil.
While it is also possible to extract the essential oil from juniper needles and twigs, this essential oil tends to lack the richness and potency associated with juniper berry essential oil.
Benefits of Juniper Berry Essential Oil
1. Brimming with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
Juniper berry essential oil is chock full of compounds that acts as powerful antioxidants like flavonoids.
In fact, a test-tube study found over 70 compounds in juniper berry essential oil with monoterpene hydrocarbons such as alpha-pinene, myrcene, sabinene, beta-pinene, and limonene. All of these compounds have strong antioxidant effects. This is vital as antioxidants help to protect your cells from free radical damage that may cause illnesses.
This alone makes juniper berry essential oil worthy of your attention and then some.
2. Relaxes cramps
Besides that, juniper berry essential oil is also extremely effective in relieving all sorts of cramps — including muscular, intestinal, and respiratory — because of its antispasmodic (reduces spasms) nature.
So, if your time of the month is just around the corner, make sure to have juniper berry essential oil at hand to relieve painful menstrual cramps. If you play sports, on the other hand, keep a bottle of the essential oil in your gym bag for when the cramps and spasms hit you.
3. Strong antibacterial and antifungal properties
Juniper berry essential oil has long been used for wounds and injuries sustained during war or even sports events. What it does is that its antibacterial and antifungal nature effectively protects wounds from becoming septic and infected.
Studies have shown that juniper berry essential oil’s potent antibacterial and antifungal properties are due to the powerful compounds in it. This includes the compounds mentioned above: alpha-pinene, myrcene, sabinene, beta-pinene, and limonene.
One of the studies also investigated the essential oil’s antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, fungi, as well as yeast and recorded strong bactericidal activities. The strongest fungicidal activity was recorded against Candida and dermatophytes.
To take advantage of this benefit of juniper berry essential oil, mix a drop or two of the essential oil with a carrier oil (coconut oil would be excellent here) and dab it on any wound you may have sustained. You will also likely see a faster wound-healing rate with the essential oil.
4. Treats stomach issues and acts as a carminative agent
Stomach issues (including ulcers, flatulence, chest pain, and indigestion) are no joke and juniper berry essential oil can help in this aspect. The essential oil is a stomachic — which essentially means it promotes appetite and assists digestion. This helps to regulate the functions of the stomach and make sure everything is in good shape.
Besides that, it also helps to heal stomach disorders and ensure the proper secretion and flow of bile, gastric juices, and acids.
Additionally, acting as a carminative agent, juniper berry essential oil helps to reduce intestinal gas which can cause chest pain, acute stomach aches, and indigestion.
For some quick-relief, mix two to three drops of juniper berry essential oil with a carrier oil and massage the mixture onto your stomach and abdomen.
5. Combats stress and anxiety
It is easy to be overwhelmed and anxious in today’s fast-paced world. So, when life has you down, place a drop or two of the juniper berry essential oil in each palm and lightly rub them again each other.
Then, cup your hands over your nose and inhale deeply to ward off the stress and tension. The essential oil will help you to re-center and regroup to find calm once again.
6. As part of your beauty routine
On top of that, juniper berry essential oil is also popular for its ability to reduce blemishes. For crystal-clear complexion, add a drop of the essential oil to your toner, serum, or moisturizer.
Alternatively, for a purifying and rejuvenating facemask, mix a drop or two of juniper berry essential oil with a Bentonite clay mask. After rinsing off the mask, you will notice visibly smoother and clearer skin.
7. Creates a fresh and calming atmosphere
Juniper berry essential oil’s woodsy scent blended with a citrus essential oil (such as bergamot) in a diffuser is sure to set the right mood for any room.
Alternatively, you can also create a freshening spray that puts the commercial ones to shame. Simply mix a few drops of the juniper berry essential oil with some water in a spray bottle and use it to freshen up the carpet, closet, car, and furniture.
Not only will the essential oil’s antibacterial properties come into play here but these spaces will also smell amazing!
Mixing Juniper Berry Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils
As you can see from the above, juniper berry essential oil pairs well with citrus oils like bergamot, lime, lemon, and grapefruit.
You can also play to the essential oil’s woodsy scent with wood oils such as cedarwood and sandalwood.
Other Good-to-Know Information
In general, juniper berry essential oil is considered safe when taken in the right doses. An overdose of juniper oil, however, can cause kidney issues and blood in the urine.
It is also advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women to temporarily refrain from using this essential oil. Alternatively, consult with a physician before using the essential oil.
Is Juniper Berry Essential Oil Right for You?
From its beautiful scent to its many uses for your body and home, there is really no reason why juniper berry essential oil is not right for you. Give it a try and we are sure you will fall for its charm in no time at all.
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