Juniper Berry- Juniperus communis

A mini profile for Juniper can be found on the Articles page of the website.

Did you know....
Of the more than fifty species of juniper, there is only one, Juniperus communis, from which an essential oil is produced?

In Ancient Egypt juniper was used in anointing preparations and it was one of the ingredients used in embalming mixtures. It was also burned as incense for both physical and spiritual protection. During biblical times juniper was often used to banish evil spirits and there is a legend that while Mary and Joseph were fleeing from King Herod they hid the baby Jesus under a juniper tree to protect him. This added to juniper's reputation of granting protection against harm.

Down the ages and in many different parts of the world, Juniper has been traditionally used as an agent against the spread of plagues, epidemics and contagious diseases. Many medieval Europeans considered juniper to be a cure for many things both physical: headaches, kidney and bladder problems, pulmonary infections, against fevers; and more esoteric: hanging bundles of juniper berries over the door to ward off witches, and burning juniper wood to deter demons. Native Americans ate juniper berries, either on their own or added to their food, and made a tea from the stems and leaves of the plant to relieve arthritis and urinary tract infection. They also applied juniper topically to cleanse infections and heal wounds, and burned the needles and branches for purification.

Juniper berries have urinary antiseptic properties, they are a stimulating diuretic, a digestive tonic, an emmenagogue, applied externally a parasiticide, a carminative and a sudorific. Juniper berries are used in the making of gin and it is the diuretic properties in the essential oil in the berries that give gin the diuretic action that it has.

On a subtle level, Juniper aids in strengthen spiritual will. Juniper clears and cleanses a room of negative energies. It also protects against negative influences, and cleanses and detoxifies the subtle bodies. Juniper helps to strengthen will power and can ease the fear of failure. Using Juniper can help restore confidence and increase self-worth. Juniper has been known to dispel mental stagnation and assist clairvoyance if used for the right reasons. It can bring enlightenment as it promotes inner vision and wisdom and helps us to connect and act from our highest ideals. Because of its great cleansing ability it can be used to help clear away feelings of uncleanliness (in particular rape) due to past actions, whether done by or to the individual.

Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Prolonged use can damage kidneys. On skin non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

In class workshops will continue to be offered once a month throughout the year.

Upcoming Workshops

October 24 & 25: Lymphatic Stimulation
November 7: Reiki Level II
November 21: Advanced Massage Techniques - Back and Neck
December 12 & 13: Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry

Aromatherapy Courses are available to start at any time during the summer - so if you are looking for something to do this summer perhaps one of our aromatherapy courses is the way to go.

If you don't want something as formal as a course perhaps you'll find what you are looking for in one of our E-books or our aroma massage DVD.