Seeds and needles of juniper plant are subjected to steam distillation process to collect juniper berry essential oil. Right from ancient times this essential oil has been used to soothe health and skin ailments.
Juniper berry oil benefits allured cosmetic industries in modern day to include this aromatic oil in their beauty products. To protect patients from bacteria and lingering, French hospitals burned juniper during World War.
High concentration of antioxidants and flavonoids packed in this essential oil protects your health physically and emotionally.
Because of its exceptional soothing and healing properties, it is extensively used for skin ailments, digestive system, urinary and nervous system. Its powerful detoxifying activity helps to thwart toxins and boost immune system.
Juniper Berry Oil Benefits
Research states that juniper essential oil has 87 compounds including α-pinene, sabinene, germacrene, antioxidants, antifungal and antibacterial agents. Due to its soothing properties and woody smell it is frequently used in aromatherapy.
Now-a-days, juniper oil is used to reduce respiratory issues, sore throat, muscles ache, fatigue, arthritis, boost immune system, reduce insomnia and enhance digestion. Skin ailments like flare-ups, injuries, itching and allergic reaction can be treated by this innate ingredient.
Primary juniper essential oil benefits include:
- Enhance healthy functioning of kidneys and urinary system
- Soothe skin ailments
- Natural cleanser and detoxifying agent
- Reduce stress and tension
- Antiseptic properties residing in this essential oil soothe minor injuries
10 Amazing Benefits of Juniper Berry Essential Oil
#1 Household cleaner
Excellent properties in juniper oil absorbs odor and kills bacteria when you diffuse indoors and in bathrooms. Drop few drops in kitchen to cleanse the place. Add several drops in dishwasher and washing machine to clean them.
Dilute the oil with required amount of water before using it.
#2 Stimulate healing
Antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial abilities housed in this essential oil relieve skin irritation, infection and fasten the healing process. Skin disorders like acne, stretch marks and dry skin can be treated with this essential oil.
Mix 2 drops of juniper essential oil with jojoba oil or coconut oil, then massage it over prewashed face. Stay away from chemical filled cosmetic creams, as they may irritate your sensitive skin.
Best time to topically apply this essential oil is before going bed.
#3 Relieves bloating
Take this essential oil tonic internally and you’ll forget about antibiotics. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of the natural oil improves kidney and urinary functioning. Natural diuretic property of juniper oil flushes excess fluid from the bladder and reduces bloating.
#4 Enhance digestion
After consulting with doctor, drink juniper oil mixed with water to boost digestive system. This oil aids to release enzymes to break down proteins and complex food compounds.
#5 Reduce heartburn
After eating delicious food, complex sugar compounds can’t be broken by small intestine, so they’re transferred to large intestine where they will digest. But the process will result in indigestion issues like heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
Dilute juniper essential oil with coconut oil and massage over stomach, chest and abdomen to soothe ingestion problem.
#6 Sleep aid
Sweet woody smell of this essential oil gives relief from stress and tension. It also reduces muscle pain, neck and chest pain. Massaging with juniper essential oil will prevent restlessness and nightmares.
#7 Insect repellent
You may love its aromatic smell, but juniper smell repels bugs. Blend it with any carrier oil or water and spray it over clothes, skin and indoors to keep insects away.
#8 Detoxifier
Internal consumption of juniper essential oil blended with water will flush waste and toxins through urine. Crave for food and stress can be restrained by inhaling its smell.
#9 Emotional benefits
People who used it say that juniper oil can lift emotional and spiritual aspect in you. Its soothing properties allow going into deep sleep and avoiding nightmares.
Adults with depression and stress will find this essential oil very helpful. Children who’re afraid of dark will see that their fear goes away. (Based on anecdotal reports)
#10 Enhance food flavor
Foods like drinks, bitters, marinades, sauerkraut recipes and sauces include juniper essential oil. Apart from adding unique taste, juniper essential oil acts as preservative to keep bacteria away from food.
How to Use Juniper Berry Essential Oil?
Patch test or consult an expert before topical application or internal consumption. Excess or concentrated juniper oil application can irritate your sensitive skin. So, experts recommend blending carrier oil or water (for internal use) to dilute the oil.
Oils which you can blend with juniper oil are lemon grass, peppermint, chamomile, lavender oil, cypress, geranium, rosemary, bergamot and all citrus essential oils.
- Blend 1-2 drops of juniper oil to water to use it as a cleanser.
- For topical application, blend 1 drop with coconut oil or jojoba oil.
- Drop 1-2 drops of juniper oil in palm, rub together and inhale frequently to get out of stress.
- Add 4 drops to 1 ounce of water and use it as room and pillow spray.
- Rub 1 drop on feet and back to get rid of restlessness.
To reap all these enticing juniper berry oil benefits, you must select organic or pure essential oil.