Juniper is an evergreen coniferous plant that grows everywhere from the Arctic to the African subtropics. Aromatic essential oils known for their soothing properties are prepared from the plant extract of this plant. Learn more about the benefits and uses of juniper oil from this material.
Juniper Oil Composition
Oil is obtained from parts of berries and needles of a plant with the botanical name Common Juniper (Juniperus communis). It is native to Europe and belongs to the Cypress family. Juniper berries are actually considered cones. They are distinguished by their characteristic taste, which combines pine coniferous notes with citrus.
The smell of juniper berries is a combination of shades of hot pepper, camphor and pine.
Get the product by distillation with water vapor. It turns out a pale yellow or colorless liquid with a burning taste. It can be used alone or in combination with oils of lemon, fir, sage, wild orange and others. The countries of Scandinavia and Italy produce the product. In the future, it is used in the pharmaceutical industry to obtain drugs based on it, in the food and confectionery industry.
A total of 74 components were identified in the oil. The bulk of them are monoterpene hydrocarbons (a- and b-pinene, camphene, sabinene, myrcene, a- and y-terpinene, limonene, caryophyllene). Their composition is from 39% to 73%. This difference arises due to different geographical and climatic conditions in the places where the plant grows.
Important! Typically, the essential oils available on the market contain contaminants and fillers that reduce the purity and effectiveness of the product. Therefore, before buying, be sure to read the composition to make sure that you have a 100% natural remedy.
Monoterpenes have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Coumarins and flavonoid antioxidants are also very beneficial. Eating a diet rich in these compounds will help to improve health and protect against chronic diseases, including heart and neurodegenerative pathologies.
Like most berries, Juniper is a good source of vitamin C. It is 10% of the daily intake. This vitamin is needed to strengthen immunity, collagen synthesis and improve blood vessels. Due to its strong antioxidant properties, juniper products are able to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Where and how to apply
Studies show that ether (i.e. 100% natural oil) from juniper berries has antibacterial propertiesthat help protect the body from infection. Native Americans used this plant as a skin cream to treat burns and wounds. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of juniper will help protect the skin from inflammation and fibrosis.
- Most often, among the useful healing properties of the oil, note:
- antiseptic;
- antirheumatic;
- antispasmodic;
- astringents;
- carminative;
- diuretics;
- stimulating;
- gastric;
- sweatshops;
- tonic.
Antibacterial and antifungal properties are involved in the treatment of urinary tract infections and diseases of the bladder. They reduce the risk of liver and kidney disease. Oil also improves kidney filtration. The diuretic effect helps eliminate bacteria that can harm internal organs, and makes it possible to remove toxins from the body that can cause inflammatory processes.
Did you know? In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the so-called Borovichka is very popular - a strong (up to 55%) tincture on juniper berries.
The tool helps to optimize digestion, stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, which are used in the breakdown of food and help to better absorb nutrients during digestion. Juniper berry oil goes well with French sauces and desserts. It will certainly give an unexpected taste to the dish.
Studies in cattle have shown that juniper oil combined with garlic helps cows digest food more efficiently. These benefits have not yet been proven in humans, but it can be assumed that ether will be useful for their digestion..
The tool can also be used for massage. Mix a few drops with coconut oil and apply on the skin with rotating movements. This will help relieve muscle tension and inflammation.
Having mixed a couple of drops of juniper ether with water in an aerosol spray can, the resulting spray can be used to refresh a linen closet, mattress, car or air in a room. Juniper berries have been used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes.
Recent studies confirm that they may possess these properties. A study on rats revealed that the addition of juniper berry extract to the diet significantly reduces blood sugar and increases the amount of “right” cholesterol.
In cosmetology
In cosmetology, juniper ester is used mainly because of anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat skin, including seborrhea, dermatitis and acne. It improves blood circulation in the subcutaneous layer and helps to restore skin integument.
- In addition, it has the following effects:
- tightens the skin;
- normalizes fat content;
- promotes cell regeneration;
- enhances the protective properties of the epidermis;
- has an anti-cellulite effect;
- cleanses pores;
- softens comedones and facilitates their removal;
- improves hair structure and prevents hair loss;
- cures dandruff.
Essential oil is also added for aromatization in cosmetics, including lipstick, foundation, hair conditioners, oils and bath foams, eye shadow and many other products.
For skin and face
The skin is affected by temperature, humidity and air pollution. As a result, her condition worsens.: pores get dirty, cell regeneration slows down, excess weight and swelling appear, and fat content changes. To restore the normal condition of the skin and juniper essential oil is used.
The product enhances blood circulation, activates fibroblasts and promotes the production of collagen, which is needed to restore skin elasticity. It also removes toxins and excess fluid from the body, breaks down fats.
Juniper oil, along with lavender and sage, is especially beneficial for acne prone skin. It helps restore the epidermis, and also helps to regulate the hormonal background and improve the condition of the skin caused by hormonal imbalance. This makes the skin not only healthier and smoother, but also less responsive to external aggressive factors.
Ways of application:
- It is allowed to add 2 drops in your usual tonic or cream instead of mixing with other oils.
- To cleanse the skin, mix 2 drops with egg white and apply for 15 minutes to cleansed skin.
- To make a healing cream, combine 50 drops with 1 tbsp. l lard Stir in a water bath until smooth. Then let cool and apply on the face with a thin layer with a napkin.
- If you mix the juniper product with 1 teaspoon of black cumin oil, you will get a skin rejuvenating agent.
For hair
Hair also suffers from aggressive natural factors. Caring for them includes proper nutrition, as well as the use of hair care products, for which juniper oil is also suitable. It is used as a mask.
To prepare the mixture take:
- 3-4 drops of juniper etherol;
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil or jojoba oil.
The substances are mixed and applied to the roots of the hair.
Cover with a film and a towel for several hours. You can also leave the mixture overnight. Then the product is washed off in the usual way. If you have dandruff or an infectious disease, then such a mask will help for a month with weekly use. It will not only restore the normal condition of the skin, but also make the hair shiny.
The same mask can be used instead of coconut oil:
- almond - to combat dandruff;
- olive - to reduce inflammatory infectious processes;
- burdock - to eliminate the problem of split ends and fragility;
- from wheat germ - to accelerate hair growth;
- castor - to normalize fat content.
In aromatherapy
Juniper berry essential oil is popular in aromatherapy due to its calming effect. Adding just a few drops of aromatic oil to the diffuser will help relieve anxiety and improve your mood. In combination with other oils, such as sandalwood and rose extracts, it helps fight the drowsiness that occurs after taking some sedatives.
For medicinal purposes
- Juniper is used to treat digestive disorders, including:
- stomach upset;
- flatulence;
- heartburn;
- bloating;
- loss of appetite
- gastrointestinal infections;
- helminthic infestations.
It is also effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney and bladder stones. Juniper berries improve the health of the cardiovascular system. They are able to increase the level of "good" cholesterol and reduce the level of "bad".
Did you know? Juniper berries have been used since ancient times to expel evil forces and diseases. Folk healers believed that they cleanse the mind, body and spirit.
Ointments with juniper extract are applied to the skin for wounds, pain in joints and muscles. Inhalations with the addition of juniper oil are prescribed to treat bronchitis and relieve inflammatory processes in the throat. As a natural sleeping pill, use homemade essential oil of juniper berries, distributing it throughout the bedroom.
It can be applied to the wrists, diluted with the base, or add a couple of drops when rinsing the laundry to maintain a juniper aroma. If you add a couple of drops to the water while taking a bath, you will provide yourself with an additional relaxing effect.
Wound healing
The tool can be used as an antiseptic, antifungal and wound healing agent. For application, it is diluted with base oil. If the burn is lubricated, then it is used with chamomile or aloe oil. If inflammation or infection - combined with lavender. If you need to reduce pain, a combination with mint is suitable. Peppermint is an effective analgesic.
| Appointment | Method of using oil |
| Damage to the skin | Combine 2-3 drops with 1 tbsp. calendula oil or sea buckthorn oil. Apply to affected skin. |
| Fungus | Make a warm bath by adding 5 drops in 1 liter of warm (+ 50 ° C) water. Immerse your feet there for 15 minutes. |
Inside use
- Today, essential oil of juniper berries is most often used in natural remedies for:
- sore throats and respiratory infections;
- fatigue
- muscle aches;
- arthritis.
The main methods of application:
| Appointment | Method of using oil |
| Colds | Drink tea with honey and lemon, adding 2 drops of oil to it. |
| Inhalation of upper respiratory tract infections | Add 3 drops to boiling water, and then breathe steam for 10 minutes. |
| Stress, trouble sleeping | Add 2–4 drops to the aroma lamp. You can add another 5 drops of rosehip oil. |
| Joint pain | Combine 2 drops with 1 teaspoon of sea buckthorn or milk thistle. |
It can also help soothe the skin, boost immunity, help with insomnia and provide deep sleep. Berries are a natural diuretic, which helps the body remove excess fluid from the bladder and urethra, and can reduce bloating. Especially effective is its use in combination with cranberries, fennel and dandelion.
Important! Some types of juniper are extremely toxic and can cause not only poisoning, but also death. Therefore, do not pick their berries yourself if you are not sure that you have an edible plant in front of you.
In addition, oil helps stimulate digestive enzymes and facilitates the breakdown and absorption of proteins, fats and nutrients from food. This property is confirmed by research. For natural digestion or cleansing the liver, you can add 1-2 drops in a smoothie or in water. But do this only when you are sure that you are using a pure 100% therapeutic product.
Natural essential oil is used to treat heartburn and acid reflux. To soothe the symptoms of indigestion, mix 2 drops of juniper ester with a base and rub on the stomach and chest.
Or apply 2 drops per glass of warm water and drink.
Contraindications
Juniper essential oil, like other essentials, can cause skin irritation when applied topically.
- Therefore, always start with an allergy test:
- Dilute 2 drops of juniper oil with 1 tbsp. coconut, jojoba or olive.
- Apply to a small area of skin on the arm.
- Wait 12-24 hours to make sure there is no allergic reaction.
Juniper is safe for most adults when taken orally in short-term dosage doses or when inhaled in the form of vapors. But long-term use can be unsafe, as it causes kidney problems, cramps, and can lead to other undesirable side effects.
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Pregnant women should avoid the use of juniper and products based on it due to the high risk of miscarriage. In addition, young women during pregnancy should consult a doctor in all cases when they intend to introduce a new product into their diet, regardless of its properties.
The drug may interact with certain medications or cause complications in people with chronic diseases.
Juniper berry irritates the stomach and intestines, aggravating the disorders in these organs. It can also affect blood pressure and make it difficult to control due to sudden surges. Therefore, patients are advised to consult a doctor before using the product.
Another problematic effect is a diuretic. It is believed that while taking the product in question with diuretics, several times more water is eliminated from the body. And it can cause dizziness, low blood pressure and poor overall health.
But studies in humans that confirm the presence of this effect have not been conducted.
So, when using essential oils of juniper, try to adhere to the general rules for the use of such substances. Always start with an allergy test, and do not take more than the amount indicated in the recipe. Careful and thoughtful use can benefit both in self-care and in the treatment of ailments.
