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What is Juniper and what is it used for |
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Written by Adrian Wozniak
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Saturday, 01 August 2009 |
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Juniper (Juniperus communis) is a vigorous shrub with dark green spiky leaves. The essential oil comes mainly from Germany, where the plant grows well, and also from parts of Croatia.
The berries on the juniper bush take up to two years to turn black and produce the best quality oil. Juniper is also used in making gin, and in northern European cooking it is used to give pungent flavor to root vegetables. In herbal medicine, juniper is considered to be a strong diuretic and internal cleanser.
Safety information: this is best avoided during pregnancy, and also by people with any serious kidney complaints.
Fragrance profile: pungent, peppery, and camphoraceous, with sweeter, softer notes developing later.
Main uses: helps to clear lymphatic congestion and detoxify the system; opens the chest and eases breathing in respiratory complaints; freshens the mind and helps improve concentration.
Suggested blends: to help detoxify, add 2 drops juniper, 2 drops angelica, and 6 drops grapefruit to 4 teaspoons (20ml) carrier oil for a vigorous daily massage to affecter areas of the body. To help respiratory complaints, add 2 drops juniper and 43 drops eucalyptus to a bowl of nearly boiling water and inhale the vapors. Do this twice daily. To help concentration, vaporize 3 drops juniper and 3 drops lemon in a room; this also helps to clear atmosphere and neutralize any stale or unpleasant odors.
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