Juniper Essential Oil
Juniper essential oil has diuretic, antiseptic, analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties and can be used as an effective insecticide and stimulant. These properties make it especially good for cleansing the systems, fluid retention and hangovers.
Juniper is good for people suffering from liver problems or in need of detoxifying and cleansing their systems, it can help relieve hangover symptoms. Due to its diuretic properties it is also effective in relieving the symptoms associated with urinary tract infections.
Juniper is also effective in soothing and relieving menstrual cramps and painful menstruation. It's also effective in relieving skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, ulcers and cellulite.
Its analgesic properties also make it effective in relieving pain and stiffness associated with rheumatism and arthritis.
BENEFITS
Juniper essential oil has the following healing properties:
Diuretic, Antiseptic, Analgesic, Anti-spasmodic, Insecticide and Stimulant.
Menstrual pain – relieves painful menstruation and cramping.
Skin conditions – can be used to soothe skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Urinary tract infections – can relieve and soothe symptoms of urinary tract infections such as cystitis.
Detoxification – due to its diuretic properties Juniper can be used to aid detoxification and cleansing the system and is particularly beneficial to the liver and kidneys.
Insecticide – can be used as an insect repellent.
Muscle and joint pain – a powerful analgesic Juniper can relieve the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism and aching muscles and joints.
Digestive issues – gas, bloating and heartburn can all be relieved using Juniper.
BLENDS
Whilst most essential oils can be used together some oils can overpower other oils. Juniper goes particularly well with oils such as:
Bergamot
Cypress
Lavender
Geranium
Lemon
Rosemary
Cedarwood
Sandalwood
Tea Tree
Clary Sage
Vetivert
WAYS TO USE
DIFFUSE
Juniper essential oil can be used in diffusers or oil burners. Using Juniper essential oil in this way is particularly beneficial in relieving headaches and migraines as well as boosting concentration, focus and clearing the mind. Juniper is also a good insecticide diffusing will keep insects away.
Diffuse 1 - 3 drops of Juniper essential oil in an oil burner or diffuser.
BATH
Juniper essential oil can be added to a warm bath to relieve muscle aches and menstrual pains and cramps.It can also relieve pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism
Add 1 - 3 drops of Juniper essential oil to a warm bath.
Note: Care should be taken not to use more than 3 drops to prevent the bath from becoming too slippery. Essential oils should be added to a carrier oil before adding as oil and water do not mix and essential oils will float on the surface of the water and if used neat can burn the skin.
MASSAGE
Massage is a great way of relaxing the body and mind and easing aching muscles. Juniper essential oil can be particularly beneficial in breaking up the toxins and fatty tissue that cause cellulite.
Adults - up to 7 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
Children over 2 years old - up to 3 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
CREAM
Adding a few drops of Juniper to a base cream is a great way of harnessing Juniper’s antiseptic and analgesic properties to treat minor cuts and scrapes and to soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema. It can also help to smooth the appearance of cellulite.
Add up to 12 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of base cream.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all essential oils it should not be used neat on the skin, essential oils are very concentrated oils that can irritate the skin unless mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils should not be used internally unless under the supervision of an aromatherapist.
Juniper is known to stimulate the contraction of smooth muscles and should therefore not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Juniper should not be used if you are taking prescription medication for diabetes, glucose regulation or hypoglycaemia.
Pets can be particularly sensitive to the effects of essential oils and can even be toxic so where possible should either be avoided or used where a pet is able to go into another room for example Juniper is one such oil.