Juniper

Botanical binomial: Juniperus communis

Family: Cupressaceae

Other names: Essence de genivere, juniper berry oil, juniperi aetheroleum, oleum juniperi, wacholder

Country of Origin: Monte Negro

Part of plant used in production: Berries

Methods of production: Steam distillation

Description: An evergreen shrub or tree with small flowers and little round berries which are initially green but turn black after a year.
Characteristics: The essential oil is colourless to pale yellow with a fresh, warm, uplifting, slightly woody fragrance.
Properties: Antiseptic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, depurative, rubefacient, stimulating, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vulnerary.
Constituents: pinene (33-71%), terpinen-4-ol (4-10%), myrcene (5-18%), sabinene (trace-27%), limonene (2-9%), 1,4-cineole (4%), terpinene (1.9-3.7%), p-cymene (1.2-5.5%), caryophyllene (0.6-1.9%).
Uses: Juniper clears, stimulates, and strengthens the mind. It is also a very effective detoxifier and diuretic, used for treating gout, arthritis, and rheumatism and urino-genital tract difficulties. By enhancing glomerular filtration, juniper helps expel excess salts from the body during urination. It is particularly useful for those with and enlarged prostate gland. Juniper is used in a range of food and beverages as well as in fresh, balsamic perfumes.
Blends well with Bergamot, cypress, fennel, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, orange, lavender, lemongrass, lemon, lime, rosemary, sandalwood.
Interesting Facts: Fifteenth and sixteenth century European herbalists used juniper to protect the people from many contagious diseases and plagues at the time. Juniper is also a famous ingredient in gin.
Safety: Non-toxic, may be irritating, sensitizing. Do not use during pregnancy or if you have kidney disease.