Juniper Leaf Oil
Juniper berry is a member of the Cupressaceae plant family. This is an evergreen tree with bluish-green leaves. Juniper leaves are either needle-like or scale-like in appearance. It grows up to a maximum height of 40m but generally ranging between 20 to 40m. There are about 50 to 70 species of Juniper spread across the world. Juniper is indigenous to the northern hemisphere including Europe, Italy, France, Canada, Spain and Hungary. It is also found growing at an altitude of 8800 to 15,400 feet in the Himalayas. Juniper leaves measure about 5 to 25mm long based upon their species. These leaves are sharp and stubborn. At times these leaves are even prickly in nature. Juniper bears small flowers that are green in the first year. These flowers and berries simultaneously change their color to black in the second and third year. Juniper berries generally appear in blue color but there are certain species that produce orange or reddish-brown colored berries. These berries often hold a pleasing aroma and good taste.
Juniper leaf oil is extracted from the needle-like or scale-like leaves of this tree. This oil is extracted by steam distillation method. Juniper leaf oil has a rich, fresh, evergreen, woody-balsamic, fruity, natural and sweet aroma. This oil blends well with rosemary oil, eucalyptus oil, bergamot oil, clary sage oil, geranium oil, chamomile oil, sandalwood oil and marjoram oil. At times, this leafy oil also blends well with citrus oils. Juniper leaf oil is pale yellow in color with a medium consistency. This oil is non-toxic and non-irritant in nature.
Latin name: Juniperus communis.
Alternative names: Mountain Berry, Kuei, Horse Savin, Common Juniper, Juniper Bush, Dwarf Juniper, Hapusha, Juniper Bark, Ground Juniper, Melmot Berry, Hackmatack.
Juniper trees prefer well-drained soil. It can also be grown in impoverished, alkaline, poor and acidic soils with organic feeding. Junipers are generally found growing in the natural habitats in mountainous and rocky areas. These trees can also be grown in the gardens. Juniper Leaf essential oil has restoring, diuretic, tonic, clearing, supportive, anti-rheumatic, purifying, astringent and sedative properties.
Uses: Juniper leaf essential oil is used to retain the fluid in the body and prevent the loss the energy due to the release of water content in the body. Juniper oil is used as celebrated oil in the treatment of weight loss. This oil is also used to detoxify blends and restoring energy in the body. It cleanses and purifies the blood and is also used a popular massage oil. Juniper leaf oil is also used externally to treat alopecia and rheumatic pain.
