Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Plant family Cupressaceae
Sinonimai
–
Kilmė
A small evergreen coniferous tree reaching up to 4 m in height. It has bluish-green needles and produces a profusion of bluish-black berries. Juniper is naturally widespread and can be found growing wild in North America, Europe (including the UK), North Asia, Korea and Japan. The oil is mainly produced in Eastern Europe, France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Canada
Gamybos būdas
Steam distillation of crushed, dried (or partially dried) berries. Cheaper, high-quality oils are also distilled from needles and wood. Up to 30-50 kg of berries or 500 kg of fresh juniper needles are needed to produce 1 kg of essential oil.
Aliejaus pobūdis
Oil extracted from needles and wood is not recommended for aromatherapy, nor is oil extracted from fermented berries (see “Warnings”). The highest quality juniper berry oil is almost colourless. The aroma is fresh, woody and with a pleasant peppery undertone. Its scent is mood-lifting, but also warming and soothing; a renowned aphrodisiac. Berry oil is slightly sweeter and less pungent than oil from wood and needles. It is a colourless or pale yellow liquid.
Aromatic note – middle. The aroma lasts 2-3 days.
Pagrindinės sudedamosios dalys:

Savybės
Anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, decongestant, anti-scarring, cleansing, purgative, urinary stimulant, menstrual stimulant, nerve soother, anti-parasitic, scarring regulator, sedative, sweating stimulant, tonic, wound healer.
Terapinės savybės
Juniper essential oil is warming, stimulating and tonic. It is an excellent refreshing and detoxifying addition to many bath and massage oils, and can also be used for inhalation and indoor air freshening.
The main effects of juniper oil are on the kidneys and urinary system. It is suitable for both heavy and light urination and is one of the most important oils in the treatment of cystitis, especially when aggravated by cold weather.
Juniper promotes the elimination of uric acid and other toxins, which can be ineffective in the case of overcooling and a sluggish elimination system. For this reason, it is known as a blood purifier. It is excellent with cypress oil for treating fluid retention, obesity and cellulite, and can also be used to treat urinary stones (for use in lower back compresses) and gout (for use in foot baths or compresses). Juniper oil is important for treating rheumatism and arthritis, especially in cold weather. Mix with rubbing oil and massage the affected areas or use as a compress.
It is a good oil for toning the glandular system, especially the adrenal glands and pancreas – use in baths and massage blends. It is also used to treat leucorrhoea and absent, painful or infrequent menstruation. In the past, it was thought that pregnant women should avoid using juniper oil because juniper berries taken internally could cause miscarriage, but in fact, when used externally, juniper oil does not and is safe to use during pregnancy with normal dilution.
Aromaterapijos naudojimo būdai
Oily skin and hair care, acne, wet eczema, haemorrhoids, wounds, cellulitis, arthritic and rheumatic pains, muscular pains, retention of non-pregnant periods, painful menstruation, cystitis, premenstrual syndrome, nervous tension, stress-related disorders.
Psichologinis profilis
Juniper oil is good if you were misunderstood and lonely as a child. You may have seemed shy, keeping to yourself for fear of rejection. In later life, this could develop into alienation and a lack of capacity to give and receive warmth and love. Lack of emotional care in childhood can also develop into neglect of physical care. The use of juniper oil will promote a more optimistic outlook and contribute to a warmer and friendlier mood.
Puikiai tinka naudoti su:
Essential oils of bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, frankincense, spearmint, ginger, lavender, pine, rosemary, sandalwood and all other citrus oils.
Mūsų saugos patarimai
Due to the high alpha-pinene content, we recommend avoiding oxidation of juniper oil by storing it in a dark, airtight container in the fridge. It is recommended to add an antioxidant to preparations containing it.
Įspėjimai
Although juniper oil is often described as a skin irritant, this may be due to the flooding of the market with fake juniper oils disguised as “pure”. Lower-quality oils extracted from wood or berries are often blended with turpentine. People with kidney disease should avoid juniper in any form, as its effects can be nephrotoxic if taken without specific knowledge. Avoid during pregnancy.

Nuorodos:
1. C. Wildwood “The Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy”, Vermont, Healing Arts Press, 1996
2. R. Tisserand, R. Young, E. M Williamson “Essential Oil Safety. A Guide for Health Care Professionals”, Churchill Livingstone ELSEVIER, 2014
3. S. Curtis “Essential Oils”, AURUM, London, 1996
4. R. Balz “The Healing Power of Essential Oils”, LOTUS LIGHT SHANGRI-LA, Twin Lakes, 1996
5. Л.ГДудченко, Г.П.Потебня, Н.А.Кривенко «Ароматерапия и аромамасаж», «Максимум», Киев, 1999