Benefits and Uses of Juniper Essential Oil

Recorded in medical texts for centuries, the juniper has a huge number of medicinal properties that are still used in aromatherapy today.

In fact, these uses are so commonplace that many herbalists and historians find it hard to pin down exactly where in the world juniper berries first originated from, as by the time of the Ancient Egyptians, their use was already global.

Like some other essential oils, Juniper oil is a natural diuretic.

This means that it can promote urination and does so by allowing excess fluid to be expelled from the bladder and urethra.

The process of frequent urination then contributes to the detoxification of the body, allowing for a healthier immune system as well as the reduction of uncomfortable bloating.

Antimicrobial activity of juniper essential oil (Juniperus communis L., Cupressaceae)

Juniper has become a popular choice for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections and bladder infections, as it acts as a natural agent against the responsible bacteria, whilst also encouraging the bladder to flush them out.

Does juniper oil aid digestive health?

It has been suggested that juniper oil can help to stimulate digestive enzymes and aid the process of digestion.

This is because it is a ‘bitter’. Bitters are herbs that are said to begin the digestive process in the body.

Effects of garlic and juniper berry essential oils on ruminal fermentation and on the site and extent of digestion in lactating cows

Applying diluted juniper oil topically to the abdomen can help possibly help to promote these digestive effects and can also aid antioxidation in the body.

Juniper oil has been found to help increase the activity of three important antioxidants: catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase.

All three of these antioxidants have huge benefits, helping to reduce cell damage by fighting free radicals and toxins, which in turn help to guard the body against serious diseases.

Will juniper essential oil help me sleep?

Diffusing juniper oil in your bedroom can be a great way to naturally combat issues surrounding sleep.

Folklore has long considered the juniper berry to be a natural anxiety remedy, and it has also been shown that juniper can incite a state of relaxation and aid sleep.

The effects were so powerful, in fact, that twelve subjects were able to use the fragrance oil to eliminate medication altogether.

Is juniper oil a natural antiseptic?

As mentioned previously, juniper oil has strong antimicrobial properties that can help it to kill bacteria and fight infections. 

These strong cleansing properties make juniper oil a popular ingredient in home cleaning sprays, and also make it suitable for cleansing skin when diluted.

It can serve as a natural remedy against acne, as well as an alternative for fighting skin irritations such as rashes and eczema.

Some people also utilise these properties in their haircare routines to fight against dandruff and when combined with rosemary can significantly improve hair growth and hair health.

How to use Juniper Essential Oil

1. Aromatherapy

Much like the scent of gin, the refreshing and lightly sweet notes of juniper berry provide an ideal backdrop for lovers of all things herbaceous.

Add a few drops to your diffuser or oil burner to enjoy this scent around your home or try inhaling some before bed to promote a more regular sleep pattern through the night.

2. Massage

If you’re suffering from bloating or issues in your urinary tract, a restorative massage using juniper berry essential oil and a light carrier oil can help realign these systems.

This mixture could also help to stimulate your digestive system.

3. Skincare

Juniper berry oil is filled with antioxidants that can enrich and nourish the skin.

Try combining a few drops with a carrier oil and applying it to your face as a daily cleanser to help brighten up your complexion.

Alternatively, you could also try using juniper berry to spot treat areas that are prone to acne or irritations, as the oil’s antimicrobial properties can help to successfully clean up the skin.

4. Haircare

Some sources suggest that applying juniper berry oil to your shampoo or conditioner can help to prevent dandruff as well as improve overall health in the scalp area.

What is the history of Juniper Berry Essential Oil?

Once seen as a protective force against evil spirits and negative forces, the juniper berry was renowned throughout history for its protective properties.

It was used by the Zuni Indians to assist in childbirth, by the Medieval English to protect physical and emotional health, and by the Ancient Greeks to combat epidemics, among other applications.

The ancient Romans also believed that the juniper berry could be effective against stomach and chest pains, as well as common coughs and colds.

Across a number of indigenous societies as well as in the Middle Ages, juniper berry was burned and used to cleanse and purify the air.

An ancient remedy with an extensive resume, juniper is one of the major players in aromatherapy, and a useful addition to any medicine cabinet.

Its purifying, earthy scent soothes and relaxes, deceptively calm, as the oil itself wages war on harmful bacteria.