Of over fifty species of juniper, only one-Juniperus communis-yields the berries that produce juniper oil. This evergreen member of the Cupressaceae family bears green needles, yellow flowers and round bluish green berries that turn black upon maturity. Juniper may sprawl near the ground as a prickly shrub two to four feet high or stand erect as a bush of six to twelve feet tall. Some wild junipers grow as high as thirty feet. Fresh, ripe black berries, when steam-distilled, produce a clear or yellowish green oil. The oil has a pinelike aroma with spicy, peppery and earthy undertones. Juniper trees, which are native to
Beauty Benefits
Juniper oil is good for any kind of skin inflammation. Because juniper oil promotes the elimination of cellular wastes and stimulates circulation, varicose veins and cellulite conditions often respond to it. Juniper oil enlivens dull skin and helps to clear acne. It can regulate oiliness, making it useful in treating acne, oily skin, oily hair and seborrhea. Juniper is frequently added to fragrances, cosmetics, aftershaves and men's colognes.
Emotional Effects
Juniper oil helps to fight anxiety, nervous tension and stress. It can clear mental clutter and confusion, revive exhausted emotions and strengthen nerves. Juniper oil helps to neutralize negative emotions, particularly anger or confusion, and imparts a feeling of emotional cleanliness and purity.
Reprinted from Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty by Roberta Wilson with permission of Avery Books, a member of Penguin Putnam Inc. Copyright © 1995 by Roberta Wilson.
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