All things Juniper Berry.

Let's look at some botanical name etc for diving into this amazing essential oil Juniper Berry.

Its Botanical Name is Juniperus communis.

Its Plant family is Cupressaceae

Its Native Region is from Russia.

The parts of Plant used are the flowers Berries Twigs Flowers.

These plant parts are Steam Distilled.

Juniper Berry blends well with the Wood oils.

It has many benefits as we will discover in this post.

SOME HISTORY ON JUNIPER BERRY

Let's dive into a little history today.

Lets begin with where Juniper Berry's name derived from. The English name Juniper is derived from the Latin juniores meaning young berries.

Now for some brief history.

Juniper was a symbol of the Canaanites’ fertility goddess Ashera or Astarte in Syria.

In the Old Testament, a juniper with an angelic presence sheltered the prophet Elijah from Queen Jezebel’s pursuit. A later biblical tale tells of how the infant Jesus and his parents were hidden from King Herod’s soldiers by a juniper during their flight into Egypt.

Juniper Berries have a long history of both culinary and medicinal uses.

The earliest medicinal use of Juniper Berries was in ancient Egypt. A papyrus dating back to 1500 BC contains a recipe of how to cure tapeworm.

The Greeks believed feeding juniper berries to athletes gave them physical stamina.

In ancient Greece Juniper berry was commonly burnt as a fumigant and ritual to combat epidemics.

The Romans used Juniper Berries to help aid in digestion.

In Central European folk medicine, the berries were considered a cure for a variety of disorders. In North America, natives used Juniper to treat respiratory conditions and cuts and wounds

During the Medieval period, Juniper Berries were believed to help ward off witches. In fact, for years French hospital wards burned Juniper and Rosemary to help protect patients against lingering bacteria and infections. In Scotland in medieval times Juniper Berry was used to flavour whiskey.

In Tibet and Native Americans for ceremonial purposes.

DID YOU KNOW................. The herbalist Culpeper noted that Juniper Berry was a “Remedy for dropsy, brings down the terms, helps fits of the mother, expels wind and strengthens the stomach. It provokes the urine and is good for gout and sciatica, and strengthens the limbs “

He dedicated himself to serving the sick, the poor and the powerless. He lived in the 1600s.

INTERESTING CUISINE FACTS

Juniper berries are one of the key ingredients used to make gin?

Their taste is also added to other foods, including some drinks, bitters, sauces, marinades and even sauerkraut recipes. In addition to adding a unique sweet flavour to foods, juniper berries act like a preservative since they keep away bacteria.

Because of their strong flavour, Juniper Berries aren't eaten on their own like other berries. Rather, they're used like a spice or as flavouring for a dish.

How can Juniper berries support our physical body.

Juniper berries are a natural diuretic, which helps the body flush out excess fluids from the bladder and urethra. It can be used to prevent or as a naturally remedy urinary tract infections and bladder infections.

This has the potential to reduce bloating. This is especially effective when combined with other antibacterial and diuretic foods, including cranberries, fennel and dandelion.

With its natural antibacterial abilities, juniper berry essential oil is one of the most popular natural remedies for fighting skin irritations (like rash or eczema) and infections.

Due to its antiseptic abilities, it can serve as a home remedy for acne and some people also like to use juniper oil for hair and scalp concerns like dandruff.

Use 1 to 2 drops mixed with a carrier oil as a gentle astringent or moisturizer after washing your face. You can also add some to your shower to help treat blemishes and foot odors and fungus. For hair and scalp, you can add a few drops to your shampoo and/or conditioner.

Another good reason to use Juniper Berry.

Another traditional use of Juniper Berry essential oil is to treat heartburn and acid reflux.

To soothe indigestion symptoms like acid reflux, massage 1 to 2 drops of juniper berry oil blended with coconut oil over the entire stomach, abdomen and chest.

Juniper Berry can sooth sore muscles.

Juniper berry oil is an effective remedy for relieving pain and inflammation. It can be applied topically to areas of injury, aches, pain, or arthritis. It warms the skin and soothes sore muscles, providing you with relief.

I would apply with a carrier oil and add cypress, frankincense, or peppermint essential oils to your blend.

There are several others uses for Juniper Berry which may not be as well known.

If you are under the weather and have a Cold or similar.

It can help the body eliminate toxins therefore supporting situations around Gout, Rheumatism, reducing fluid or inflammation within the body. Always apply to the body with a carrier oil.

Just a little personal fact, I do love using Juniper Berry in my Aromatic dressing to support my lymphatic system and any stagnant energies.

JUNIPER BERRY AND SLEEP

One study tested an essential oil fragrance that combined juniper berry essential oil with sandalwood or rose. Examining its effect on insomniacs who were taking medication for their condition, researchers found that 26 of the 29 subjects were able to reduce their drug dosage when using the essential oil fragrance at night. Twelve subjects were able to eliminate medications altogether. For a natural sleep aid, use juniper berry essential oil at home by diffusing it throughout your bedroom, dabbing some on your wrists.

Other essential oil blends to pair with Juniper berry to encourage restful sleep would include cedarwood, lavender, or frankincense essential oils.

A BRIEF LOOK INTO THE ENERGETICS OF JUNIPER BERRY.

According to Peter Holmes in Aromatica, Juniper Berry exerts a good stabilising and centreing effect. It should be used for those with dispersed energy, mental spaciness, lack of embodiment, and a weak uncentred instinct.

It will promote strength, empowerment, and instinctive self confidence in these people.

Those with low perseverance, and will power, with insecurity and those who have a tendency to apathy and discouragement will clearly benefit from its use.

In saying all of this, the smell of juniper berries offers emotional support and reduce physical and emotional signs of stress.

Considered in folklore as a natural anxiety remedy, some sources claim it’s one of the most effective essential oils for dealing with inner trauma and pain because juniper may have positive effects on relaxation responses in the brain when inhaled.

Another reason to add Juniper Berry to your arsenal.

Juniper Berry's gift to you is a journey into the Abyss.

The affirmation Juniper Berry brings is I see that in the darkness lies what I am yet to embrace.

It is reported that Juniper Berry is helpful for those who suffer from nightmares, being the oil of the night. The affirmation ties beautifully with this too.

Do you fear the unknown? Work with Juniper Berry to allow you to face your fears and be comfortable in what unfolds.

He brings clarity where there is darkness, allowing you to see the shadows and the shadow side of you isn't too scary. So fear not Juniper Berry will support in these times.

Juniper Berry is a powerful space cleanser as we have discovered on our deep dive into this oil. So use it to release any energies that may be still attached to you.

It is said that using Juniper Berry near the door will prevent evil spirits entering your home, much like St Benedict or St Michael will protect your home.

Juniper Berry is great for meditation and when you want to experience the spaciousness, the nothingness, the void in meditation or prayer. It is why this oil is so good for sleep.

As you can see I do love this essential oil.

To finish off this post you will find below are two lovely blends that would work invoke the new discoveries that are waiting for you and a beautiful blend to assist your dream scape.

If you are even more curious of how this essential oil may support you reach out, that's what I am here for, to support you on your journey to health and wellbeing.

If you have enjoyed this dive into Juniper Berry comment below.

Leanne