| Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma and/or Juniperus | | | | feet and low backache. It also helps cleanse oily skin |
| scopulorum) is in the cypress family (Cupressaceae). | | | | and acts as an antiseptic. The primary use of juniper |
| The juniper tree can grow up to forty feet high, has | | | | however is for the urinary tract where it is one of |
| bluish green stiff needles and produces small flowers | | | | the classic diuretics and remedies for urinary tract |
| and berries that change over the years from green | | | | infections. Juniper is refreshing and helpful in states of |
| to blue to black. The berries have been found in | | | | anxiety and stress. Its sedative actions will help those |
| archeological digs of prehistoric man. Throughout | | | | who find it difficult to sleep due to worries and |
| history, people have burned these aromatic branches | | | | tensions and its pungent aroma will help to break |
| to fumigate and to ritually cleanse. Tibetans and | | | | through psychological stagnation. A cleansing and |
| Native Americans burn juniper as part of their ritual | | | | purifying action takes place when its fragrance is |
| cleansing. In the Middle Ages, it was used to ward | | | | inhaled. Subtle changes are made-physically, mentally |
| off witches. Hildegard of Bingen in the 12th century | | | | and spiritually. For emotional healing, use it to |
| recommended its use for respiratory conditions, | | | | encourage inner vision, upliftment, strength, vitality, |
| advising its use in saunas and warm baths. In the 19th | | | | sincerity, enlightenment, and humility. |
| century the berries were burnt in French hospitals to | | | | The primary effect of juniper is that of being an |
| prevent the spread of smallpox. Oil from only the | | | | antiseptic, stimulant and detoxifier. Juniper can be |
| mature berries is used to flavor gin. | | | | diffused or applied topically. It can be used in body |
| Today juniper is considered a powerful aromatic | | | | lotions and bath oils or used with warm compresses. |
| decongestant. Its astringent qualities makes it helpful | | | | As for safety, juniper is non-toxic, non-irritating and |
| for hemorrhoids, acne, and skin conditions like | | | | non-sensitizing making it a very good universal oil. |
| dermatitis and eczema; its blood cleansing and diuretic | | | | Want to learn more about the healing properties of it |
| qualities make it particularly helpful for rheumatism | | | | and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified |
| and arthritis, especially in cold weather; as a digestive | | | | aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy |
| stimulant, it's a remedy for colic and flatulence; its | | | | and aromatherapy can help you understand how |
| invigorating effects aid tired muscles, cold hands and | | | | essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit. |