A Scent for Flow: Juniper Berry Essential Oil
“When you are feeling distressed and shut off from the experience of joy in your body and in your life, Juniper prepares the way for finding your center. ”
Juniper has been used for thousands and thousands of years across many cultures - for both ceremonial and therapeutic purposes.
Among the 60 or so species that make up the genus of Juniperus, it is the berries of the common juniper (Juniperus communis) that are used as a medicine, spice, and source of essential oil (Mojay, 1996).
The essential oil is steam distilled from fresh or dried ripe berries. Its fresh, woodsy-green scent resonates with many people.
The aromatic essence draws you inward, encouraging a gentle flow in the landscape of your being.
Properties of Juniper Berry
Physical: Helps to increase blood flow and circulation and is both a diuretic and lymphatic decongestant. Its warming and stimulating effect benefits chronic tiredness, cold hands and feet, sore muscles, and fluid retention (Holmes, 2016).
Mental: Refreshes and clarifies the mind, particularly if you have scattered thoughts, mental spaciness, or you feel stuck.
Emotional: Strengthening, clarifying & stabilizing in emotionally challenging times.
Energetic: Helps release long-held tension and move stagnant energy, gets things flowing.
Topical Safety Status: non-skin irritant, non-sensitizing
Sustainability and Conservation Status: Least Concern https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/42229/2963096
Body Oil Recipe
You are the river. You are the flow.
Here’s a recipe for an enlivening body oil that nourishes the skin and invigorates the senses. The uplifting aroma is formulated to balance the skin, gently encourage flow in your body, and leave you feeling renewed.
Ingredients
If possible, I highly recommend using organic plant oils and essential oils.
30 mL plant oil (like sunflower seed oil or jojoba oil)
3 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil
3 drops cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) essential oil
3 drops geranium (Pelargonium graveolens roseum x asperum) essential oil
3 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
Juniper berry & cypress increase circulation, help move stagnant energy and generate flow in the body. Geranium helps to balance emotions and the skin. Lavender has a restorative influence on the entire body.
Method
Put the carrier oil into a dark glass bottle.
Add the essential oils drop by drop
Put the lid on the bottle and shake well.
References
Battaglia, S. (2021). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Volume III - Psyche & Subtle. Australia: Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd.
Holmes, P. (2016). Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. London: Singing Dragon.
Huggington, A. (2022). Tweet, retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ariannahuffington_tuesdaythoughts-pandemicbrain-ariannahuffington-activity-6884137092281110528-VOpU/
Mojay, G. (1996). Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. United Kingdom: Gaia Books Limited.
Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
Zeck, R. (2014). The Blossoming Heart: Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation. Australia: Aroma Tours.
Do not take essential oils internally and do not apply undiluted on the skin. Always consult a professional aromatherapist if you have medical conditions. Use caution when using essential oils with children.
