Juniper Berry
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Juniperus communis
BIOTANICAL FAMILY
Cupressaceae
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
Bulgaria, Macedonia, Croatia, India
PLANT PART
Ripe fruit
NOTE
Top-Middle
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distilled
AROMA
Sweet, fresh, woody, balsamic with a piney odour.
GC/MS REPORT
Monoterpenes: α-pinene (37%); β-myrcene (18%)
NOTES ON CHEMICAL COMPONENTS
α-pinene 's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antinociceptive, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anxiolytic, and gastroprotective. β-myrcene's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and sedative.
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Detoxification/Urinary system - diuretic and lymphatic decogestant, it helps clearing toxins, beneficial for cellulite, cystitis, and treating urinary stones. Musculoskeletal system - stimulant and analgesic, it helps with chronic rheumatic and arthritic conditions, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, and lower back pain. Skin care - recommended for oily, tired, and congested skin, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis conditions.
EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC QUALITIES
Recommended for nervous and mental fatigue; helps overcome apathy, mental confusion, negative thoughts, low self-esteem and willpower; stimulant and warming, often associated with spiritual purification.
ADMINISTRATION METHOD
Bath, topical application (diluted), and inhalation
ETNOBOTANY LORE AND ANCIENT PARTICLES
The name Juniper may derive from the Latin word "juniores" which means young berries. Juniperus communis is a small tree that grows wild in central Europe; its berries take 3 years to mature and the best ones are found in northern Italy, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, France, Austria, and the Czech Republic. In ancient Rome, physitians used the berries to treat stomach and chest pains, coughs and colds, flatulence, tumors and uterine disorders. Pliny the Elder specifically mentioned the berries as a remedy for rheumatism. Juniper branches were burned in temples as purifying elements and in medieval Europe they were burned to ward off evil spirits and the plague. Medieval herbalists also used it as an antidote against poisons. In England, the branches were strewn on the floors to cleanse the air of diseases and povide protection from witches. Native American tribe Cheyenne burned the branches in ceremonies to assuage the fear of thunder while the Navajo did that to bring good luck to hunters.
SAFETY
Non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing; however, skin sensitisation may occur if oil is oxidised.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a licensed healthcare specialist for specific medical advice.