Juniperberry
Botanical Name: Juniperus communis
Synonym: Nil
Botanical Family: Cupressaceae
Country of Origin: Native to Northern Hemisphere: Siberia, Scandinavia, Hungary, France, Italy, Balkans, Canada
Plant Part: Ripe, dried berries
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Characteristics: Clean, refreshing and slightly woody
Properties:
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, astringent, carminative, depurative, rubefacient, stimulating, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vulneraryChemical Constituents: α-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, α–phellandrene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene, 1,4-cineole, β-phellandrene, p-cymene, terpinene-4-ol, bornyl acetate, cayophyllene, limonene, camphor, linalool, linalyl acetate, borneol, nerol.
Indications:
Mind & Spirit:
- Strengthens the nerves
- Has a calming effect and eases stress
- Purifies the atmosphere
- Emotionally cleansing.
Body:
- Relieves aches and pains
- Detoxifying, purifies the blood
- Beneficial for arthritis, sciatica, gout and rheumatism and cystitis
- Regulates periods and appetite
- Helpful for acne, blocked pores, dermatitis, weeping eczema, psoriasis and swelling.
Contraindications:
Avoid if kidney disease exists, or if pregnant (it can trigger labour). May be slightly irritating. Non toxic.
Note: Middle
Odour Intensity: Un-referred
Blends well with:
Bergamot, cypress, fennel, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, orange, lavender, lemongrass, lemon, lime, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood
Traditions:
Juniper berries were used by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to ward off infections. It guarded against the plague in Tibet and the medics of Greece, Rome and Arabia valued it for its antiseptic properties. In England juniper was burnt to scare off witches or demons. It was also used as a cure for bites by herbalists in the 15th and 16th century. Today the berries are commonly used to flavour gin.