Various properties are attributed to juniper essential oil, among which the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ones stand out, in particular it is considered very effective against rheumatic pain.
The plant and the production of essential oil
The common juniper is a plant of the cupressaceae family, that is the same as the cypress that gives its name to the entire family and the sequoias. The juniper looks like a small tree or a perennial and evergreen shrub. The leaves are needle-like. The plant is a gymnosperm, which means that the seeds are not protected by an ovary, in other words it does not produce flowers and fruits. When it appears as a tree it can grow up to a maximum of ten meters. What are commonly called juniper berries are not actually fruits but cones, typical woody casings of conifers that enclose the seeds. Each strobilus contains one to three seeds rich in essential oil. A curiosity about juniper is that gin takes its name from it, this liqueur is obtained from a fermented potato or cereal in which, to give it the aroma, some aromatic herbs are infused, the one that can never be missing is juniper and for this it gives its name to the liqueur.
Properties of juniper essential oil
In addition to the aforementioned anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, juniper essential oil, like other essential oils, also has muscle-relaxing, antiseptic and expectorant properties. Since juniper is a conifer, the essential oil has a penetrating and balsamic scent that instills an invigorating sensation.
Topical use of juniper essential oil
The anti-inflammatory properties of juniper can be exploited by massaging with a few drops of juniper essential oil diluted in a carrier oil (such as almond oil ) as a remedy against various types of pain, in particular as anticipated for rheumatic ones, but also for menstrual ones. The ability to relax the muscles allows it to be used as a decontracting agent to be used in case of muscle fatigue after playing sports or in general for back pain and other situations of fatigue. The antiseptic capacities are particularly recommended as a remedy for cystitis, but be careful not through internal use, but by immersing yourself for at least 15 minutes in a hot bath in which a few drops of juniper essential oil have been poured. The astringent and antiseptic properties allow it to be used, like other essential oils, also as an anti-acne remedy, in this case a few drops could be added to a tonic for the face, remembering to always pay close attention to any allergic reactions, always possible with any essential oil and being very careful in the application to keep away from the eyes.
How juniper berry essential oil is used in aromatherapy
In aromatherapy, juniper berry essential oil is appreciated for its balsamic properties common to practically all conifers, while closer inhalation and concentrated (suffumigi) can be useful in case of respiratory diseases, environmental diffusion is a way to disinfect the air in rooms and leave a pleasant scent. As far as aromatherapy itself is concerned, i.e. the effects that environmental diffusion would have on the psyche, juniper essential oil gives an energizing sensation, a typical characteristic of essential oils obtained from balsamic plants .