Juniper Essence
Description
© Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
JUNIPER (Juniperus communis)
Family: Cupressaceae (conifer)
Source: The Essential oil is obtained from the berries.
Fragrance:: Pine, pungent, peppery.
Volatility: Middle note.
General description and habitat:
An evergreen shrub or tree; prickly; sprawling or prostrate if planted in exposed habitat; height up to 4 meters if a tree; found throughout the northern hemisphere in chalk and limestone; trees are unisexual - female trees grow green berries which change to blue-black in the second or third year.
Principal constituents:
Pinene, borneol, cadinene, camphene, isoborneol, juniperine, terpenic alcohol, terpineol.
History
History and folk use:
Prehistoric Swiss lake dwellings have yielded up berries. Known to the ancient Egyptians and used by the ancient Greeks to counter epidemics. The Romans flavored their food with the berries and it was used for its antiseptic qualities - recommended for liver complaints and as a diuretic.
In the Middle Ages headaches were treated with juniper, as well as kidney and bladder problems. Hildegarde of Bingen recommended it for pulmonary infections. In Britain it was ascribed with magical properties, to ward off witches and restore youth. In Germany and France juniper was viewed as a "cure-all".
Properties & Uses
General properties: Antiseptic, depurative, diuretic, tonic, Influenzaid reducing, antiviral, uplifting, warming, sedative, balancing
Primary Uses:
| Aching joints | Cystitis |
| Eczema | Rheumatism |
| Water retention |
Secondary Uses:
| Arteriosclerosis, | Arthritis, | Cellulite, |
| Colic, | Cystitis, | Dermatitis, |
| Fever, | Flatulence, | Food Poisoning, |
| Gout, | Hangover, | Heartburn, |
| Hemorrhoids, | Indigestion, | Insomnia, |
| Kidney Infections | Kidney Stones, | Lymph (Congested), |
| Nervous Exhaustion, | Obesity, | Oily & Open Pores, |
| Painful Menstruation, | Poor Circulation, | Poor Memory, |
| Psoriasis, | Rheumatism, | Skin Disorders, |
| Sores, | Ulcers, | Wounds. |
Recommended daily dosages in Germany are as follows:
20 - 100 mg essential oil.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Contraindications
Avoid during pregnancy.
Not to be used with chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer.
If treating severe kidney disorders only use low concentrations.
Beware adulteration with turpentine.
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