What is juniper essential oil used for?
It is also used for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney and bladder stones. Other uses include treating snakebite, diabetes, and cancer. Some people apply juniper directly to the skin for wounds and for pain in joints and muscles. The essential oil of juniper is inhaled to treat bronchitis and numb pain.
What are the health benefits of juniper berries?
Juniper berries contain chemicals that might decrease swelling. It might also be effective in fighting bacteria and viruses. Juniper might also increase the need to urinate. Uses & Effectiveness? Upset stomach. Heartburn. Bloating. Loss of appetite. Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Kidney and bladder stones. Joint and muscle pain. Wounds.
What is juniper wood?
Juniper wood has a number of unique characteristics that allow it to stand up to the elements better, and thus it can take on a variety of different forms and uses. Here are just a few. Most wood will get wet, and then it will start to rot. As the juniper wood grows, it forms natural chemicals inside of it that prevent the wood from rotting away.
What should I know about Juniper before taking it?
People with diabetes should not use juniper supplements, oil, or concentrated extracts because it may affect their blood sugar levels. Women who are pregnant also should not take juniper medicinally, since it could cause uterine contractions and other issues.
What is Juniper tar used for?
Other uses include perfumery and cosmetics. Juniper tar also is used for its gin-like flavor and in perfumery.
What is the color of a juniper tree?
The plants bear blue or reddish fruit variously described as berries or berry-like cones. Junipers are widely used as ornamental trees. The cone is a small, green berry during its first year of growth that turns blue-black during the second year. Small flowers bloom from May to June.
What is it used for?
Juniper berries (the mature female cone) have been used as a flavoring in foods and alcoholic beverages such as gin. In herbal medicine, juniper has been used for indigestion and as a steam inhalant in the management of bronchitis. The native people of North America have used juniper as medicine that refreshes/restores and in tuberculosis, among other conditions. The berries also serve as seasonings for pickling meats and as flavoring for liqueurs and bitters. Other uses include perfumery and cosmetics. Juniper tar also is used for its gin-like flavor and in perfumery.
Why are juniper berries good for you?
Because they have a large quantity of antioxidants, juniper berries have a long list of health benefits. Consuming juniper berries can help to prevent major diseases, kill bacteria, improve the appearance of the skin, treat insomnia and even kill the parasite that causes leishmaniasis.
What is a juniper plant?
They are female seed cones that come juniper plants — a type of conifer ( Pinophyta ), which is a cone-bearing plant or tree. Juniper plants vary in appearance and can grow low and wide like a shrub or tall like a tree. Their uniquely fleshy, merged scales make them look like a berry, thus the name.
What are the three antioxidants that juniper berries have?
Perhaps most significantly, the activity of three extremely important antioxidants in the body is encouraged by juniper berries: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase. (9) Issues with SOD are linked to ALS, Down syndrome, cancers and lung issues.
What did the Greeks use juniper berries for?
Long before they were used in food, the Greeks used juniper berries as medicine and stimulants for Olympic athletes. (5) Romans used them as a less expensive pepper substitute.
Is juniper berry essential oil a natural antiseptic?
Natural antiseptic. The antibacterial and antifungal qualities of juniper berries have stood the test of time — which is one reason that juniper berry essential oil is often suggested as a natural household cleaning agent. These berries have compelling effects on many strains of bacteria and fungi.
Can you eat juniper berries with gin?
In addition to their slightly misleading name, juniper berries are also not a berry you would generally eat with breakfast, like blueberries (even though they’re similar in size). Instead, juniper berries are often used as a bitter spice. In fact, they give gin its distinctive flavor.
Can juniper berries heal wounds?
In an examination of how animal wounds healed when treated with juniper berry essential oil, researchers discovered that two cultivars of juniper berries “displayed remarkable wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.” (18) This suggests the ancient use of juniper berries as a skin healer has its roots in scientific fact.
Why are juniper berries important?
Juniper berries are rich in essential oils and flavonoids that function as potent antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation.
What is juniper berry used for?
Juniper berry uses. Unlike other berries, juniper berries are typically used only in small amounts to flavor foods — not eaten in large portions. They have an astringent, pine-like taste, which makes them a popular ingredient for seasoning recipes and infusing beverages.
What are the compounds in Juniper Berry?
One test-tube study detected over 70 compounds in juniper berry essential oil, with the monoterpenes alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, myrcene, limonene, and sabinene making up the majority. All of them add to the oil’s strong antioxidant effects.
What are the volatile oils in juniper berries?
The volatile oils in juniper berries contain substances known as monoterpenes, including limonene, camphor, and beta-pinene. Monoterpenes have been shown to provide anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties ( 4 ).
What is a juniper tree?
The juniper tree, Juniperus communis, is an evergreen shrub that grows in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia ( 1. Trusted Source. ). It produces seed cones that are commonly known as juniper berries. Though the berries’ coloring varies, most are deep blue. Their aroma is often described as woody or spicy.
Do Juniper berries have vitamins?
Though nutrition information on juniper berries is limited, they’re known to provide certain vitamins and an array of plant compounds.
Does Juniper Berry oil kill fungus?
In one test-tube study, juniper berry essential oil demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal effects against 16 species of bacteria, yeasts, yeast-like fungi, and dermatophytes, a type of fungus that grows on your skin, causing diseases like ringworm ( 16. Trusted Source.
Where does juniper come from?
"Juniper comes from the berries of the common juniper tree, which is native to North America," says Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RDN. (Its scientific name is Juniperus communis and yes, it's used to make gin.)
Is juniper oil safe to use on broken skin?
“All of these products are considered safe for topical use by most people, although they shouldn’t be applied to broken skin. And if a person experiences itching, rashes, pain or other skin reactions after applying juniper, they should wash it off and avoid future use,” she says.
Can you use juniper tea for nausea?
You can also try juniper berry tea, which is readily available and many people use it to soothe heartburn or mild nausea, says Dixon. You can also get juniper in oil form. The essential oils are inexpensive and work well when inhaled to help with a stuffy nose or chest, says Dixon.
Is juniper a good antioxidant?
It's a powerful antioxidant. Much like fresh berries or colorful produce, juniper has antioxidant properties . “It’s rich in antioxidants, which fight off inflammation and may prevent the development of serious diseases,” says Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD.
Can you take Juniper oil while pregnant?
People with diabetes should not use juniper supplements, oil, or concentrated extracts because it may affect their blood sugar levels. Women who are pregnant also should not take juniper medicinally, since it could cause uterine contractions and other issues. And since Juniper might have mild diuretic effects, people taking blood pressure medications or "water pills" shouldn't use juniper in concentrated form, Dixon adds.
Does Juniper help with sickness?
It could help fight off sickness. In addition to keeping inflammation at bay, which lowers risk of disease, juniper may also have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, Dixon says, where it can boost your immunity and help treat infections. More research is needed to dive deeper into its effects; however, there is a study on its abilities ...
Can you take juniper berry tea?
But remember: “While more diluted juniper berry products, such as tea or a few drops of juniper oil diluted in water are considered safe for regular consumption, do not take concentrated juniper berry supplements for more than a few weeks at a time,” Dixon says, as long-term effects aren’t quite known yet. (And remember: Don't take this stuff medicinally without first talking to your practitioner!)
What is juniper?
Juniper is a type of coniferous tree. Juniper trees are relatively short and can be found in many places across the globe. These include North America, Asia, and Europe. The variety of juniper found in North America is Juniperus communis, though there are other varieties that are found in other locations.
What is juniper wood used for?
Juniper wood from some species of juniper trees is also used to make items such as pencils, fence posts, cabinets, cedar chests, and linen closets. Juniper repels pests and moths, which is why it is often selected for linen closets and chest to keep pests away from clothing and fabrics.
What is juniper berry essential oil?
Juniper berries offer a very calming and relaxing aroma. Because of this, juniper berry essential oil offers stress-relieving properties and can help individuals rest and relax. It has been shown to have a positive effect on people who suffer from insomnia. If you want to try juniper berry oil to help yourself relax and find relief from stress you’ve been facing, use an essential oil diffuser and sit or lay down in a comfortable position to inhale the relaxing aroma.
Is juniper a miracle fruit?
Like the nutritional benefits of star fruit or the ways strawberries are good for your skin, juniper berries are a natural miracle.
Does Juniper Berry oil help with digestion?
Juniper berry essential oil can also help with digestion. It stimulates the digestive process, which allows proteins, fats, and other nutrients to be effectively broken down. Additionally, juniper berry essential oil acts as a diuretic and detoxifies. These properties also allow it to help reduce bloating and other stomach issues. To enjoy these digestive benefits of juniper berry oil, find a high-grade, food-safe oil and add one or two drops to a glass or water or other beverage each day.
Does Juniper Berry help with acne?
Did you know juniper berry essential oil can help relieve stress, clear up acne, detoxify the liver, support healthy blood sugar levels, and more? If you didn’t already know this about juniper berry oil, you’re in for a real treat when you read the rest of this article. What are the benefits of juniper essential oil, you ask? Is it worth purchasing and adding to your routine? Keep reading, and we’ll highlight the many ways juniper berry essential oil can benefit our bodies, inside and out.
Is Juniper essential oil safe for dogs?
However, it is unlikely that it’ll cause any irritation. Juniper berry essential oil is considered safe for children ages 2 and up. It is also considered to be generally safe around pets, but you may still want to check with your veterinarian before using it around a cat or dog.
What is Juniper used for?
Juniper is used for digestion problems including upset stomach, intestinal gas (flatulence), heartburn, bloating, and loss of appetite, as well as gastrointestinal (GI) infections and intestinal worms. It is also used for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney and bladder stones. Other uses include treating snakebite, diabetes, and cancer.
What is the best way to use juniper oil?
The essential oil of juniper is inhaled to treat bronchitis and numb pain.
What is the most common juniper in North America?
There are many varieties of juniper, but Juniperus communis is the most common in North America. People use the juniper berry to make medicine. Medicinal preparations include the extract of juniper berry, as well as the essential oil of juniper berry. Don't confuse juniper berry oil with cade oil, which is distilled from juniper wood ...
Does Juniper help with diabetes?
Juniper might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking juniper along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Does Juniper Berry lower blood sugar?
Diabetes: Juniper berry might lower blood sugar. There is some concern that it might lower blood sugar too much in people with diabetes. Stomach and intestinal disorders: Juniper berry might irritate the stomach and intestines, making disorders in these organs worse.
Is juniper bad for kidneys?
Taking juniper by mouth long-term or in a high dose is LIKELY UNSAFE as it can cause kidney problems, seizures, and other serious side effects.
Is Juniper safe to use on the skin?
Juniper is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts short-term, when inhaled appropriately as a vapor, or when applied to the skin in small areas. Using juniper on the skin can cause some side effects including irritation, burning, redness, and swelling. Avoid using it on large skin wounds.
What color is Juniper wood?
Juniper Wood has Amazing Grain Patterns. When you cut into a piece of juniper wood the first thing you will notice is the radiant reddish hues. You will also notice that the grain is tight and intricate.
What happens when you wet juniper wood?
The wet environment produces bacteria that gnaw away at the cellular structure of the wood. In the end it just crumbles away. Since juniper wood has formaldehyde in it, nothing survives and all that can break down the wood is the natural expansion and contraction of moisture.
How does juniper wood break down?
One of the biggest ways that wood breaks down over time is through the destruction of insects. Little creatures bore holes into the wood causing water to get inside. The wet environment produces bacteria that gnaw away at the cellular structure of the wood. In the end it just crumbles away. Since juniper wood has formaldehyde in it, nothing survives and all that can break down the wood is the natural expansion and contraction of moisture.
Is Juniper wood rotten?
Juniper Wood is Naturally Rot Resistant. Most wood will get wet, and then it will start to rot. As the juniper wood grows, it forms natural chemicals inside of it that prevent the wood from rotting away. This means that landscapers, and those who are building furniture for outdoor use, love to use juniper wood because it simply will last ...
Why is Juniper Berry essential oil good for skin?
One reason juniper berry essential oil may function in so many different ways is because it contains antioxidants that help to slow age-related degradation, such as skin problems, as well as prevent disease. ( 16, 17)
How to use Juniper Berry essential oil?
Here’s how you can start to use juniper berry essential oil at home: 1 Aromatically: Juniper berry oil can be diffused throughout your home just like a scented candle or inhaled directly from the bottle. There’s a good deal of evidence showing that essential oils absorbed into bloodstream when inhaled because the large amount of blood vessels in the lungs absorb the oils and then circulate them throughout the body. The scent from juniper berry and other essential oils can also reach the brain quickly due to their fast-acting effects on the olfactory system. 2 Topically: You should always first dilute juniper oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio before applying it directly to your skin. Mix several drops of essential oil mixed with 1 to 2 teaspoons of coconut or jojoba oil. Then massage it into any affected area. The oil penetrates your skin and passes into the bloodstream. Then it makes its way into different areas of the body for pain reduction and other therapeutic benefits. 3 Internally: Can you ingest juniper berry essential oil? Juniper berry essential oil is FDA-recognized as safe for consumption. ( 22) However, ONLY ingest juniper essential oil when you use a very high-quality oil brand. How do you know if your oil is safe to consume? Look for therapeutic-grade oil from the proper plant species that is grown in the indigenous region. It’s important to purchase organic 100 percent pure oil because this ensures it was grown without chemical pesticides or herbicides.
Does juniper berry oil help with high blood pressure?
Correlated with its antioxidant activity, juniper berry essential oil might be one natural way to reduce high blood pressure. ( 21) Hypertension is quite manageable with diet and lifestyle changes, such as diffusing heart-healthy essential oils like juniper berry.
Does Juniper Berry help with digestion?
Juniper can help stimulate digestive enzymes and make it easier to break down and absorb protein, fats and nutrients from foods. This is because it is a “bitter.” Bitters are herbs that begin the digestive process. ( 7) However, this has not been tested thoroughly on humans. But it has proven to hold true in at least one animal study, in which cows had significantly improved digestion when given garlic and juniper berry essential oils. ( 8) Some people talk about juniper berry essential oil for weight loss, but this benefit also hasn’t been backed by any solid human studies.
Does juniper berry oil affect the brain?
The scent from juniper berry and other essential oils can also reach the brain quickly due to their fast-acting effects on the olfactory system. Topically: You should always first dilute juniper oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio before applying it directly to your skin.
Can you mix juniper berry oil with honey?
But this means the plant was harvested at the peak time and extracted with the proper temperature and pressure to preserve the oil’s potent constituents. If you’re sure your oil is pure and high-quality, you can add a drop to water or take it as a dietary supplement, mixing it with raw honey or adding it to a smoothie. But, it’s also best to consult with your natural health care provider first before ingesting juniper berry oil.
Does Juniper Berry oil help with insomnia?
It can also help soothe skin flair-ups, boost the immune system, help with insomnia and aid with digestion. Research shows juniper berry essential oil contains over 87 different active constituent compounds, including strong antioxidants, antibacterials and antifungals.
