Name : Juniper
Method : Steam distillation.
Note Classification : Middle
Scent : Sweet, fresh, balsamic
Colour : Clear or pale yellow
Species : Juniperus communis
Extracted From:Berries (possibly fermented) or non-essential oil from needles and wood. Juniper is an evergreen shrub or tree up to 6m high.
Region : Scandinavia, Siberia, Canada, northern Europe
By-products : The principal flavouring ingredient of gin. Used in laxatives, flea treatments, soaps, cosmetics and perfumes. Used extensively in food products.
Historical : Tradtionally used to treat urinary infections, gastro-intestinal problems and worms. In the Middle Ages, a juniper bush was thought to repel witches if planted by the door. The noted herbalist and physician Abbess Hildegarde von Bingen suggested that respiratory infections could be treated with hot baths of crushed juniper berries. In the 17th century, the English herbalist Nicolas Culpeper described juniper as 'provoking urine exceedingly'. In World War 2, French nurses burnt juniper to disinfect the air.
Of Interest : Listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for the treatment of rheumatic pain and cystitis.
Aromatherapy Properties : Skin tonic, acne, dermatitis, eczema, haemorrhoids, wounds.
Accumulation of toxins, cellulitis, gout, obesity, rheumatism.
Colds, flu, infections.
Anxiety, nervous tension and stress related conditions.
Caution: Non-toxic but not to be used if pregnant. Not to be used with any form of kidney disease due to its nephrotoxic effect. May be slightly irritating so use with caution.
Blends Well With : benzoin, vetiver, clary sage, wood and citrus oils
Chemical Analysis : monoterpenes :- pinene, myrcene, sabinene, limonene, cymene, terpinene, thujene, camphene
