Juniper Berry Essential Oil
A crisp, evergreen, peppery juniper berry essential oil. The same berry that flavours gin — but distilled into something deeper, more resinous, and characteristically Northern.
Botanical profile
- Latin name: Juniperus communis
- Origin: Eastern Europe / Balkans
- Extraction: Steam distilled from the berries
- Aroma: Crisp, peppery, slightly woody — characteristically gin-like with deeper, resinous character
- Perfumery note: Middle
- Blends well with: Cypress, cedarwood, bergamot, lavender, rosemary, frankincense, fir needle
Traditional uses & properties
- Long-used in European traditional medicine
- A traditional aromatic for cleansing and clearing
- Common in detoxifying body and bath blends
- Used in muscle and circulation massage formulations
History
Juniper has been used as a ritual fumigant in Europe for thousands of years — burned during plague epidemics, used in temple incense, and burned in homes to clear the air. It is the defining flavour of gin (which derives its name from genièvre, French for juniper). Native peoples across the northern hemisphere have used juniper berries and branches in spiritual cleansing.
Main constituents
α-pinene, myrcene, sabinene, limonene
How to use
Add a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser, or 1-2 drops on a tissue or cotton ball for personal inhalation. For topical use, dilute to 1-3% in a carrier oil (jojoba, fractionated coconut, or sweet almond) — about 2-9 drops per 30ml. Patch test inside the elbow before broader application.
Safety
External use only. Always dilute before applying to skin. Patch test before first use. Avoid during pregnancy unless guided by a qualified aromatherapist. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Avoid during pregnancy and with kidney conditions.
Storage
Store sealed in a cool, dark place. Most essential oils keep 1-3 years; citrus oils oxidize faster — best within 12 months.
This information is for educational purposes only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Always dilute essential oils for skin application; patch test before first use; keep away from children and pets.