Juniper Berry Essential Oil Recipes, Uses and Benefits

Juniper Berry Essential Oil Recipes, Uses and Benefits

Jennifer Lane, Certified Aromatherapist Jennifer Lane, Certified Aromatherapist
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In this spotlight, you will learn the uses and benefits of juniper oil plus DIY Juniper Essential Oil Recipes you can make. The scent of juniper is reminiscent of walking through a forest. This woodsy oil has sweet and fruity undertones that create a refreshing aroma.

Fill your home with this fragrance to enjoy calming effects on nervous tension.

Juniper is on our Top 30 Affordable Essential Oils list, so cost should not keep this oil from being added to your collection. If you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend getting a bottle. Read on to see how it can benefit your life.

Juniper Essential Oil Benefits and Uses Spotlight by Loving Essential Oils

Juniper Essential Oil Facts

Historically, juniper has been used for spiritual purposes. It has also been burned to ward off disease. Juniper berries are best known as the raw material of gin.

Juniper Berry Essential Oil comes from the fruit of an evergreen tree. The fruit is a berry-like cone that is highly aromatic. It is known as a strong detoxifier and immune booster, naturally improving short term and long term ailments.

Botanical Name Juniperus communis
Botanical Family Cupressaceae
Aka Juniper or Juniper Berry
Note Top
Aroma Crisp, sweet, woody, piney, fresh
Extraction Method Steam distilled
Plant Part Used Berries
Shelf Life 2-3 years
Kid Safe? Yes
Safety Concerns Avoid old or oxidized oils, they may cause skin sensitization. Store oil in dark, airtight container. Not phototoxic.

 

Main Constituents:

Alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, beta-pinene, sabinene, limonene. See Essential Oil Safety for a complete list of constituents.

Juniper Berry Essential Oil Blends Well With

There are many oils that Juniper blends well with, this is not an exhaustive list, just some suggestions:

  • Bergamot
  • Black pepper
  • Lavender
  • Frankincense
  • Sandalwood
  • Cypress
  • Fir needle
  • Cedarwood
  • Grapefruit
  • Clary sage
  • Rosewood
  • Lemon
  • Orange
  • Laurel leaf
  • Roman chamomile

Therapeutic Properties:

Analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, carminative, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, nervine, spasmolytic, tonic

Therapeutic Uses:

Fluid retention, cystitis, urinary tract infection, abdominal bloating, menstrual cramp, heavy legs, detoxifying, cellulite, obesity, gout, rheumatism, arthritis, acne, ulceration, eczema, mental exhaustion, chronic fatigue, anxiety, tension

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Juniper Berry Essential Oil Recipes Spotlight by Loving Essential Oils

Juniper Berry Benefits and Uses

Juniper essential oil is extracted from the juniper plant. It can be applied topically or used for aromatherapy, and it has a warm, woody scent that is invigorating. Juniper's therapeutic properties include anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and diuretic.

Here is our top 10 list of benefits and uses for juniper oil.

1. Promotes Clear and Healthy Complexion

Frequently used in skincare, juniper oil acts as a natural skin toner and reduces the appearance of skin blemishes. It can also diminish stretch marks and help skin conditions that occur because of hormonal imbalance.

For Healthy Complexion: After washing face, apply one drop of juniper mixed with jojoba oil to your skin. You will love the refreshing look this oil brings to your skin! Also add some to your shower gel or body wash to fight blemishes, fungus and foot odor. This oil is known as an astringent which means it helps tighten the pores of your skin.

Make Juniper Berry Moisturizer: Fill a 2 oz glass jar with whipped coconut oil and 6-12 drops of juniper berry to it (0.5-1% dilution). Simple right? Now you have yourself an essential oil moisturizer that is excellent for your skin and all natural!

2. Joint and Muscle Soother

Juniper is a great way to relieve pain and inflammation. Use for injuries, joint aches, muscle pain, bone pain, and arthritis. When used topically, it produces skin warmth which can ease tired muscles. Blend 1-2 drops juniper with 1 teaspoon carrier oil, massage on effected areas.

Try our Juniper Muscle Rub recipe below.

Sore joints? Try Juniper Bath Blend: Add 2 drops juniper oil, 1 drop of rosemary and 1 drop of lavender to 1 tablespoon of fractionated coconut oil. Pour 1/4 cup of Epsom salts into mixture. Add blend to a warm bath to soothe your body.

3. Reduces Stress and Nervous Tension

The aroma of juniper reduces emotional and physical stress, creating a fresh and positive atmosphere. Use during meditation or prayer to help release worry and negative thinking. Juniper oil has a positive impact on the relaxation responses of the brain when you inhale it.

Use for aromatherapy by place one drop of oil on a diffuser necklace and enjoy the encouraging aroma throughout the day. Read more about benefits of using diffuser necklaces.

Naturally Calming Perfume: You can add 6 drops of juniper to a 10 ml roller bottle, fill the rest with jojoba oil.  Roll on throughout the day, it smells wonderful and is better for you than any chemical perfumes.

4. Boosts Digestion

Used as a digestive aid, juniper acts as a stimulant for digestive enzyme. This allows for easier breaking down and absorption of nutrients and fats from foods.

Heartburn Relief: Massage 1-2 drops of juniper berry essential oil with coconut oil on chest and abdomen for indigestion symptoms, acid reflux, or heart burn.

5. Repels Insects

The smell of juniper berry naturally sends bugs away like citronella oil. You can spray juniper essential oil on your clothes, or mix it with carrier oil and massage your skin. Just add 6 drops to a 1 oz dropper bottle and fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil (1% dilution). 

6. Natural Remedy For UTI

Have you ever had a UTI (urinary tract infection)? If so, you know how terrible they are. Thankfully, Juniper Berry is known for supporting healthy kidney and urinary function and it acts as a natural cleansing and detoxifying agent.

Natural Remedy: Mix 1-2 drops of juniper oil with 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil and massage onto your lower abdomen/pelvic area, near the spot where your bladder is.

For bladder discomfort also try our Detox Bath Salt Blend under #9, a warm bath with this blend can be soothing. Follow up with a doctor if natural remedies are ineffective.

7. Natural Air Purifier

Replace commercial air fresheners and room sprays with an all natural juniper berry essential oil spray.  Simply add 15 drops of juniper and 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin into a 2 oz spray bottle and then fill the rest with water.  Add spray top and shake well to mix. Place natural air freshener in  living room, bathroom and office to clean the air.

Diffusing juniper can also help with purification of air.  Diffuse 3 drops of juniper oil and 3 drops of lemon oil to deodorize the air in your home. Read more about the benefits of diffusing oils.

8. Natural Sleep Remedy

The aroma of juniper makes you relax and unwind muscle tension. Massage a few drops diluted in carrier oil onto your chest, feet and neck before bedtime. Juniper berry essential oil enables you to sleep faster and prevents racing mind or restlessness, soothing you into peaceful sleep.

Peaceful Sleep Inhaler: Make a nasal inhaler and inhale before bedtime. Add 4 drops Juniper berry, 4 drops lavender and 4 drops cedarwood.

9. Enhances Detoxification

Increasing urination and elimination, juniper berry helps in drawing waste, toxins and irritants out of your digestive tract. As it acts helpful in fighting stressful feelings, it will help you in controlling emotional food cravings.

Place 1-2 drops on your hands, rub and inhale the oil to aid in stimulating a relaxing response.

Detox Bath Salt Blend: Mix 1/4 cup of dead sea salt, 2 tablespoon of fractionated coconut oil and 4 drops of juniper berry. Add to warm bath and soak for a detoxing effect.

10. Household Cleaner and Freshener

Juniper berry essential oil is a natural antiseptic which lessens and prevents bacteria from spreading. You can use it on kitchen and bathroom surfaces as well as appliances. It absorbs odors when you diffuse it indoors while purifying the air.

Use juniper berry on dryer balls, just add a few drops to each ball and allow to dry while you are washing your load. Once load is washed add clothes and dryer balls to dryer.

Juniper Diffuser Blends

Add essential oils to diffuser with recommended water. Read more about diffusing essential oils.

Calming the Chaos Diffuser Blend

Blend that is calming and helps to reduce stress.

  • 3 drops Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)
  • 2 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
  • 2 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Juniper Berry Diffuser Blend - Calming the Chaos by Loving Essential Oils with juniper, lavender, and bergamot

Christmas Tree Diffuser Blend

Love the scent of Christmas trees? This blend smells just like it!

  • 2 drops Juniper (Juniperus communis)
  • 2 drops Fir Needle/Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica)
  • 2 drops Hemlock/Tsuga (Tsuga canadensis)
juniper diffuser blend - christmas tree by Loving Essential Oils with juniper, hemlock (tsuga), and fir needle (siberian fir)

Cold Symptoms

  • 3 drops Eucalyptus Oil
  • 3 drops Juniper Berry Oil
  • 3 drops Peppermint Oil
juniper diffuser recipes - Cold Symptoms Essential Oil Blend with Eucalytpus and Peppermint

Good Vibrations

  • 2 drops Tangerine
  • 2 drops Fir
  • 1 drop Juniper Berry
Juniper berry oil blends - Good Vibrations by Loving Essential Oils

Mindful Awareness

  • 3 drops Juniper
  • 2 drops Cedarwood
  • 1 drop Patchouli
Juniper diffuser blends - Mindful Awareness by Loving Essential Oils

Clarity

  • 4 drops Grapefruit
  • 3 drops Juniper
  • 1 drop Pine
Juniper berry blends well with by Lovign Essential Oils

Wild and Free

  • 2 drops Juniper
  • 2 drops Clementine
  • 1 drop Grapefruit
juniper essential oil recipes - Blends well withi citrus oils like grapefruit and clementine

Braethwork

  • 2 drops Juniper
  • 2 drops Camphor
  • 2 drops Pine
  • 2 drops Black Spruce
juniper oil diffuser blends - Breathwork Blend by Loving Essential Oils and Jennifer Lane, Certified Aromatherapist

Frozen Lake

  • 3 drops Lavender
  • 3 drops Eucalyptus
  • 2 drops Juniper
Juniper essential oil diffuser blends  by Loving Essential Oils and Jennifer Lane, Certified Aromatherapist

Winter Day

  • 3 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Juniper
  • 2 drops Peppermint
Juniper essential oil blends by Loving Essential Oils and Jennifer Lane, Certified Aromatherapist

Juniper Essential Oil Recipes

Check out these recipes with juniper essential oil and juniper diffuser blends.

Juniper Muscle Rub

Juniper oil is warming effect on muscles may also help to relieve pain caused by arthritis or soreness after exercise. Use this muscle rub recipe to soothe minor aches, pains and inflammation. 

  • 9 drops Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)
  • 6 drops Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)
  • 6 drops Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis)
  • 3 drops Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
  • 1/4 cup Jojoba oil

Directions: Add all ingredient into a 2 oz  lotion pump bottle. To use, rub on sore muscles for relief. (2% dilution)

 

Feet Treat Foot Soak

Use after a long day on your feet to sooth and refresh. Juniper essential oil may help to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema because of its antimicrobial properties.

Directions: Mix oils together and add in epsom salt. Place foot soak blend into a basin of warm water and soak feet.

 

Clear Congestion Inhaler Blend

When stress or tension hit, take a whiff of this relaxing blend

  • 5 drops Juniper (Juniperus communis)
  • 5 drops Lemon (Citrus limon)
  • 4 drops Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana or Cedrus atlantica)
  • Blank Inhaler

Directions: Add essential oils to cotton wick and insert into inhaler. Read more about using aromatherapy inhalers.

 

DIY Moisturizing Nail Soak

Nourish your nails with this nail soak, great to do once a week for healthy nails.

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 3 drops Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)
  • 5 drops Vitamin E oil

Directions: Mix ingredients in a small bowl that you can comfortably soak your nails in. Soak nails for 5-10 minutes. No need to rinse when done, just rub any oil residue into your hands! You can use the leftover nail soak for a foot soak, just add the remaining oil to a warm basin of water and soak your feet!

 

General Essential Oil Precautions

Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.

Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.

If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1 to 2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil.

Newbie to Oils? Read More: Essential Oils for Beginners

FAQs Related To Juniper Essential Oil Recipes

Can Juniper Essential Oil be used directly on the skin?

It is not recommended to apply Juniper Essential Oil directly on the skin without dilution. It is best to mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or sweet almond oil before applying it topically to avoid skin irritation.

Where to Buy Juniper Essential Oil?

So as you can see, there are lots of uses for juniper essential oil, you just need to open your bottle and start using it. Buy only high quality, 100% pure essential oils when purchasing. If you are looking to buy clove essential oil, here are some brands we like:

Can Juniper Essential Oil be ingested?

It is not recommended to ingest Juniper Essential Oil unless under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare provider. Ingesting essential oils without proper knowledge can be harmful.

What are the benefits of using Juniper Oil for skincare?

Juniper Essential Oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with acne-prone skin. It also has astringent properties that can help tighten and tone the skin, making it a great addition to skincare routines.

How can Juniper Berry Oil be used for diffusing?

Juniper Essential Oil can be added to a diffuser to create a refreshing and invigorating aroma in your space. Simply add a few drops of the oil to water in the diffuser and enjoy the benefits of its uplifting scent, or try one of our juniper berry diffuser blends.

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Juniper Berry Essential Oil Blends - Juniper Room Spray Recipe by Loving Essential Oils

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