“I’ll have a juniper and tonic, thanks” – I really did say this to a barman once.  I had juniper on my mind and really needed it. Obviously what I wanted was a gin and tonic, with the smooth, styling flavour of juniper berries. Gin was originally made in the Netherlands where it is called “jenever”, and was first made as a medicine in the 16th century. Looking at the historical uses of plants and oils gives us a very clear indication of what they are good for (even without the modern scientific techniques of gas chromatography, which breaks down the oils into components). Juniper was also used against cholera and typhoid in this time by herbalists and common people –  the plants were the medicine!

Juniper is an oil I often have cravings for and will spend months at a time obsessed with it. It’s a clean, crisp oil I refer to as having the “scent of sophistication”. It is a lightly scented oil produced from steam distillation of the ripe dark berries. l will use it for clients for anything from stress to lethargy.

It belongs to the Cupressaceae family which also holds Cypress, Cedarwood Virginian, Cade and Savin. Have a look at the leaves on the top pic – you can see how it would be related to a cypress tree.

Traditionally juniper is used for:

* a diuretic and detoxifier for the body eliminating excess fluid and also acidic build up in the blood

* this may then lead to help with issues such as gout and rheumatism

* and also cellulite (wouldn’t that be great) – I have never stuck with any one treatment long enough to know if anything helps with that …….

* cystitis – where a sitz bath or douche is used – be cautious when using essential oils in a douche and a very low ratio would be recommended

* oily skin

I use juniper for:

* energetic cleansing whether it be in your home or your personal aura

* to help release build up of emotions especially weepy and watery emotions

* to relieve someone of heavy self-deprecating feelings

* and generally when I feel ‘release’ is needed

Try these recipes:

1. Face Mask

For oily skin –

2 teaspoons of white clay

Juniper       2 drops

Lavender    1 drop

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2. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist

To release negativity and invite sweetness and protection, in a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add –

“Ah That’s Better”

Juniper           12 drops

Orange             8 drops

Peru Balsam     5 drops

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3. Body Oil

For a detox treatment, in 3 teaspoons of oil add –

“Light as a Feather”

Juniper            4 drops

Fennel             2 drops

Ginger             1 drop

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4. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Crisp Like Linen (that’s been ironed)”

Juniper      2 drops

Petitgrain   1 drop

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I also found this :

juniper plant will keep away witches; as such it was commonly planted near front doors.
(The witch could still enter, but only if she correctly counted needles on the tree).

Love that one!