Reguvinating Juniper...Juniper Berry Essential Oil

"Juniper Berries" By MPF (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons

"Essential OIl" By Itineranttrader (Own work) 
via Wikimedia Commons

I plan to use Juniper Berry essential oil as an essential story element of my work-in-progress cozy mystery novel. So, today, I will share what I've learned about this aromatic botanical. As always: this is for information only and does not replace medical advice. Always test out an oil first by placing a small diluted amount on your arm as a patch test. In particular, those who are or could be pregnant should always refer to their physicians before using any essential oils. Today's featured oil, Juniper Berry, carries a specific precaution for pregnancy as it has been known to stimulate the uterine muscle and must not be used by expectant mothers. It is also advised against for those with kidney or liver disease. Since this essential oil should not be used for young children or infants, it should also not be used by nursing mothers.

Now! After getting those disclaimers out of the way (sounding like those drug ads on TV that show people dancing in the sunshine while the narrator, speaking in a calmly hushed voice, rushes through possible side effects like suicidal thoughts or death,) here are the attributes and uses of Juniper Berry essential oil: 

Three of the major properties of Juniper Berry oil are terpineol, terpinene, and pinene, which can be helpful in treating skin infections and other health issues. It also contains chemicals that flush out free radicals in your bloodstream. 

For:

"Diffuser" by Borutp] via Wikimedia Commons

-Relief of stress, anxiety, drowsiness, and headaches: diffuse into the air using 2-3 drops in an oil warmer or vaporizer or add 8-10 drops to bath water for soaking (in addition, for headaches, add 2-3 drops into carrier oil such as jojoba oil and massage into temples; add lavender oil for enhanced benefit.)

-Pain relief for arthritis, joint pain, muscle fatigue and aiding circulation: add 8-10 drops to bath water for soaking or 2-3 drops to one ounce of carrier oil such as jojoba for massaging into applicable areas

-Alleviating skin problems such as acne, oily skin, psoriasis, dermatitis, weeping eczema: add 2-3 drops to lotion or cream and apply to affected skin or dampen a cotton ball with juniper berry oil and gently wipe skin

-Aiding in healing of wounds: add 6-10 drops to 9 ounces of water, then soak a clean cloth in the mixture, wring it out, and apply as a compress to the infected area

Foot Bath by John R. Frazier, ca 1920 John R. Frazier via Wikimedia Commons

-Relieving hemorrhoids: add a diluted drop to your bath and soak for 20 minutes

-Relieving menstrual cramps: add 2-3 drops to one ounce of carrier oil and massage into lower abdomen

-Regulating appetite: add 2-3 drops to a vaporizer or use in steam inhalation

-Disinfecting the home: mix 5 drops in a quart of water and apply with spray bottle (shake before using)

I understand it is also the main flavoring ingredient in the making of gin...but that's another story...

     

Have a good couple weeks, dear Reader. Thanks for stopping by...y'all come back now! 

Kate