Essential Oil Database

Photo: Juniperus Communis

Juniper

Essential Oil

Botanical Name:

Juniperus Communis

Family Name:

Cupressaceae

Source Country:

France

Plant Parts Used:

Berry and or twigs

Extraction Method:

Steam distillation

Major Constituents:

Pinene, myrcene, sabinene, limonene, cymene, terpinene, thujene, camphene, linalool

Botanical Description

Photo: Juniperus Communis

Juniperus Communis is native to mountainous temperate climes worldwide. It is an evergreen erect scrub or tree commonly known as Juniper growing up to 10 meters tall. The leaves are green and needle like, and it bears purple to black berry like seed cones which take up to three years to mature.

Juniper has traditionally been used as a spice in many European cuisines, a flavouring in alcoholic beverages, and for its medicinal properties.

Photo: Juniperus Communis

Fragrance

Juniper essential oil has a fresh, smoky, balsamic, pine like and peppery scent.

Juniper essential oil is a pale yellow liquid.

Juniper blends well with benzoin, bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, elemi, frankincense, geranium, lavender, neroli, pine, rosemary, sandalwood and vetiver.

Traditional Therapeutic Uses

Photo: Juniperus Communis

Properties: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic.

Aids: lymphatic circulation, immune system, digestion, memory.

Alleviates: acne, anxiety, arthritis, colitis, cystitis, eczema, haemorrhoids, leucorrhoea, menstrual pain, oily skin, rheumatism, sciatica, stress.

Safety Data

Avoid use if pregnant.

Use moderately within normal therapeutic guidelines to avoid sensitisation.

Avoid use if suffering from kidney disease.

Disclaimer:

All healing uses, magical uses and metaphysical definitions are provided as a means of education, do not imply a guarantee of effect, and may not be complete or accurate. Those suffering from illness should consult with their General Practitioner in the first instance. Aromatherapy is a holistic complementary healthcare practice and should be carried out by a suitably qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Pure, medical grade, essential oils & absolutes are for use in aromatherapy and other disciplines of natural healing; and for their fragrance. Essential oils should not be ingested, and avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Pregnant women should not self administer essential oils. Do not administer essential oils to babies. Do not apply undiluted essential oil to the skin and wash hands after use and before visiting lavatory. Do not use essential oils while in a sauna, steam room, or other humid environment; or while engaged in strenuous exercise.

Massage oil should consist of no more than 3% essential oil(s) to 97% carrier or fixed oil. Absolutes should be blended with no less than 98.5% carrier oil. When adding essential oil to bath water do not use more than 4 drops.

Store essential oils at low room temperature, in a dark place, out of the reach of children, pets and away from foodstuffs.