 Juniper (Juniperus communis) has been respected world-wide for hundreds of years. The essential oil is derived from the small purple-blue berries through steam distillation. One must be aware that some juniper oils have been manufactured from the wood or fermented berries and these may cause irritation. The true juniper oil is easily recognizable as it is almost colorless and possesses a fresh, wood-like scent with a hint of pepper. This aroma can be both stimulating and relaxing, uplifting and calming. It is also a reported aphrodisiac. Applied topically it acts as a diuretic, antimicrobial, astringent and antispasmodic. It is very helpful in easing the pains of rheumatism, gout or muscle strain. The ability of Juniper to tone, cleanse and purify make it a wonderful ally when trying to banish cellulite. A traditional and valued diuretic, Juniper is useful for those with edema or UTI's. It is also an effective emmenogogue and should therefore be avoided during pregnancy. Many scents blend wonderfully with juniper including cedar, sandalwood, cypress, frankincense and bergamot. |