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What is Juniper Berry Essential Oil?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Juniper berry essential oil comes from the finely chopped, ripe, fresh berries from the juniper tree. The tree is also known by its Latin name, Juniperus communis. The berries are often used to treat a wide range of medical ailments, such as skin conditions, rheumatism, arthritis, hemorrhoids, and colds. It even is believed to lessen menstrual pain. Juniper berry essential oil has been used for centuries and continues to be a popular homeopathic remedy.

Juniper trees can be found across North America and Europe. They also grow as a native species across much of Asia. Juniper berry essential oil has an earthy, yet sweet aroma. Many people prefer to use it for aromatherapy. For example, it is believed to clear a room of negative energy and fill it with positive energy. In addition, some people use it in aromatherapy to cleanse the skin, clear clogged pores, and detoxify the liver.

Juniper berry essential oil has been used to relieve menstrual pain.
Juniper berry essential oil has been used to relieve menstrual pain.

Juniper berry essential oil is believed by many homeopathic medicine practitioners to treat muscular or skeletal conditions, such as sciatica, arthritis, and rheumatism. It is also used in the treatment of certain lymphatic conditions. For example, many people claim that it helps drain toxins in the lymph nodes and that it reduces the severity of hemorrhoids.

Colds and influenza are common ailments across the globe. Juniper berry essential oil is believed to treat the symptoms of both colds and influenza. Some people believe that it lessens the severity and the duration of such illnesses as well.

Juniper oil is extracted from the juniper berry.
Juniper oil is extracted from the juniper berry.

Many people suffer from digestive problems. This essential oil also may help detoxify the stomach and the intestines. It is usually recommended if a person has overindulged in alcohol or rich foods. In addition, it is believed to lessen nausea and ease an upset stomach.

Some ailments vary from person to person, such as menstrual pains and anxiety. Juniper berry essential oil is thought to help with these issues. For example, it may work to induce menstruation and ease pains from the menstrual cycle. It also is believed to reduce anxiety and nervous tension. Some people even claim it helps them feel less stressed, improves their memory, and gives them a clear mind.

When used in aromatherapy, juniper berry oil is said to detoxify the liver.
When used in aromatherapy, juniper berry oil is said to detoxify the liver.

As with any homeopathic remedy, an expert in the field or a medical doctor should be consulted before using this essential oil. Although it is not considered to be toxic, people who are pregnant and who have kidney disease should not use it. Juniper berry essential oil may have an adverse effect on the kidneys and may cause uterine contractions. It may cause skin irritations as well.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

literally45

@ZipLine-- You can also add juniper berry essential oil to your bath water. It is a great oil for pain relief. My sister has fibromyalgia and she uses juniper berry oil for pain caused by her condition.

This is also one of my favorite essential oils, I mix it with a few others like lavender and use it in a diffuser to spread the aroma in my house. It has aromatherapy effects.

Of course, like all essential oils, it's important to get one that is 100% pure and fresh.

serenesurface

@ZipLine-- I've not use juniper berry essential oil for that purpose but yes, you can use it topically. Make sure to dilute it with another oil though.

I use juniper berry essential oil for a homemade moisturizer. I add some to my oil-free face lotion. This oil is great for oily skin and helps prevent pimples. It also seems to be helping with my blemishes. Normally, I can't use any oil on my face in fear of an acne breakout. But I can use juniper berry essential oil. I add anywhere from 5-10 drops depending on the size of the moisturizer.

ZipLine

I had never heard of an essential oil that helps treat sciatica before. I'm guessing that it must be due to the ant-inflammatory effects of the oil. How do I use it for this purpose? Should I apply it topically on the area where the sciatica is?

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    • Juniper berry essential oil has been used to relieve menstrual pain.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Juniper berry essential oil has been used to relieve menstrual pain.
    • Juniper oil is extracted from the juniper berry.
      By: Dani Vincek
      Juniper oil is extracted from the juniper berry.
    • When used in aromatherapy, juniper berry oil is said to detoxify the liver.
      By: dolphfyn
      When used in aromatherapy, juniper berry oil is said to detoxify the liver.
    • Some people use juniper berry extract as a natural flu remedy.
      By: emde71
      Some people use juniper berry extract as a natural flu remedy.