Juniper (Juniperus communis) is a highly branched evergreen shrub with styliform leaves, pinecones and round bluish-black fruits resembling blueberries. Namely the oil extracted from these fruits is among the most valuable raw materials of the juniper, since it has highly antiseptic and healing effect and brings many benefits to the body.
Juniper is widespread throughout the northern hemisphere, mainly in North America and Europe. It grows on dry and rocky slopes and ripens in early autumn. Ancient peoples used the berries in cases of skin irritation and sores, to relieve the pain during childbirth, in religious rituals and for cleansing the air (by combustion).
Oil can be extracted from almost all parts of the juniper, which are above the ground, but that of the fruits (especially the dried fruits) is the most powerful and efficient one. It has a fresh, slightly spicy, woody aroma, pale color and watery consistency and is rich in essential oils and acids.
Depending on whether it is taken internally or externally the oil has antibacterial, cathartic, detoxifying, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, warming, soothing, tonic or stimulating effect for both – health and appearance. Juniper oil has miraculous beneficial effect in nervous system problems, including stress, sand and stones in the kidneys, in case of difficult urination, in gastrointestinal and gynecological anomalies, rheumatism, diabetes, overall discomfort. Relieves muscle and joint pain, purifies the respiratory tract in shortness of breath and bronchitis, eliminates bad breath and hangover. In the cosmetics industry juniper oil is used mostly because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps with any skin problems, including seborrhea, dermatitis and acne. It is effective in case of puffiness and water retention and improves the blood circulation in the subcutaneous layer.
Other benefits of the juniper oil for skin and hair:
- Balances oily skin
- Tightens the skin
- Increases its protective functions
- Restores the youthful appearance
- Supports the regenerative processes
- Cleans and unclogs the pores
- Softens the comedones and facilitates their removal
- It has anti-cellulite effect as it breaks down fats
- Improves the appearance of greasy hair
- Treat dandruff and hair loss
- Strengthens the scalp
As the juniper oil is extremely powerful healing agent it is not recommended to be used in pure form as well as in pregnancy and kidney problems, because it can cause unwanted side effects. Most often it is included in the formulas of other products – healing, aromatherapeutic and cosmetic and thus it turns them into an effective solution for a particular problem.
