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Think juniper is only good for making gin? Think again! It’s time to put down your G&T, because we are about to reveal all juniper essential oils benefits!
In this article, we will look at some of the many popular uses of this versatile essential oil. We will also explain how best to use it to benefit your own health and wellbeing.
But first…
What is Juniper Oil?
Let’s go back to basics.
Juniper essential oil is the oil extracted from juniper berries through steam distillation. These berries are found growing on common juniper bushes, which are evergreen conifers known as Juniperus Communis. Part of the cypress family, these bushes are native to parts of Asia, North America, and Europe, and can be found in many areas of the United Kingdom.
It’s sensible to point out that juniper essential oil is only made from the berries of the juniper bush, unlike cade oil, which is distilled from juniper wood and has completely different properties.
Juniper oil has a typically fresh, sweet and calming aroma. This makes it a must-have in any aromatherapy oil collection. As for taste, just enjoy a sip of any English dry gin – that’s juniper’s woody, peppery flavour right there!
What are the Benefits of Juniper Essential Oils?
Aside from flavouring gin, what else is juniper good for? There are several benefits of juniper essential oils. For example, it:
1. Has calming properties
As mentioned above, juniper essential oil has a gorgeous smell. However, it is so often used in aromatherapy because of its ability to ease stress, promote calm, and balance emotions, without any sedative effects.
These calming properties make juniper the ideal oil to have on hand while working or before an exam, when you want to ease pressure but still remain alert. For more tips on cultivating a calm mindset, check out our article on 5 Ways to Relieve Stress.
2. Soothes joint pain
With renowned anti-inflammatory constituents such as alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and sabinene, juniper oil has the power to help ease joint pain while promoting a warming sensation.
This is one of the reasons why we use organic juniper oil from France in our award-winning WholyMe Relief Balm. This independently-tested balm is a potent blend of 12 all-natural scientifically-backed ingredients including eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, and arnica oil. This balm can be massaged directly into uncomfortable joints and sore muscles to help you feel restored and replenished.
3. Treats skin conditions
With natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties – as shown in this 2014 study – another benefit of juniper essential oil is that it can be used to treat skin complaints such as acne, dermatitis, and eczema.
When diluted in a carrier oil, juniper can be applied directly to problem areas to treat breakouts and other conditions, promoting a healthier and clearer complexion.
5. Relieves cramping
Whether you are a professional athlete, weekend warrior, or are menstruating, nobody is immune to the pain of various cramps across the body!
Juniper essential oil has been shown to have antispasmoic properties, so can be massaged directly into the affected area and ease cramps when they strike.
5. Potentially reduces cellulite
There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that juniper essential oil can help reduce cellulite. It is said that the oil supports correct drainage of water in the lymphatic system, which can reduce the water retention that causes inflammation.
While the jury is still out on this one, many skincare brands use juniper oil as a key ingredient in cellulite removal lotions, so there is likely to be some worth.
How to Use Juniper Oil
There are multiple ways to use juniper essential oil to feel the full benefits.
If you want to enjoy juniper’s calming woody scent for easing stress, you can add the oil to an aromatherapy diffuser or breathe in the aroma directly from the bottle.
For muscle and joint soothing effects, or other skin uses, you should dilute the juniper oil with a neutral carrier oil. This could include coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or olive oil – the choice is yours. A dilution of 1:1 is sensible, and it is advised to test your mixture on a small patch of skin first.
You can also remove the guesswork and use a pre-made balm such as our bestselling Relief Balm, which can be massaged directly into the affected area.
Hopefully you can now see that juniper oil is so much more than just a delicious and distinctive flavouring. How are you planning to use juniper oil?
