Juniper bushes produce a colorless, pale yellow or light green essential oil through distillation or carbon dioxide extraction of its ripe blue or purple berries and small branches. An member of the cypress family, juniper grows in Asia, Europe and North America. Although topical use of juniper oil in small quantities is considered safe for most individuals, always consult a physician before use.
Bioactivity
Juniper oil demonstrates diuretic, hypotensive, anti-diabetic, expectorant, antiseptic, and tonic activity. The Commission E, Germany's herbal regulatory agency, approves juniper oil's use for appetite loss and indigestion. More research is needed to compare the bio-activity and safety of juniper oil to other natural therapies.
Primary Active Ingredients
Juniper essential oil contains borneol, isoborneol, cadinene, pinene, camphene, terpineol, terpenic alcohol or juniper camphor, albumin and sugar. The quantities of these components vary with various juniper oils. Borneol, terpineol and terpenic alcohol contribute to juniper oil's diuretic properties. Isoborneol, borneol and cadinene demonstrate antiseptic properties. Camphene converts to camphor, thus both contribute to antioxidant activity. Pinene also exhibits antioxidant properties.
Application Methods
Aromatherapy application methods for juniper oil include baths, compresses, diffusion, facial masks, lotions and massage. The dilution provided by these methods reduces the risk of adverse reactions. Because individual sensitivity might vary, always consult a doctor before use. Juniper baths provide benefits through skin absorption and inhalation. According to the PDR for Herbal Medicine, historical use includes juniper bath salts. "Aromatherapy Workbook" author Marcel Lavabre recommends combining five drops of essential oil with a natural carrier oil or natural bath gel base to disperse the essential oil in solution before adding it to the bath. Carrier oils include avocado, grape seed, hazelnut, jojoba and other plant based oils.
Uses
Juniper essential oil's biological effect on the body contributes to its use in aromatherapy. Topical application of juniper oil creates a warming sensation beneficial to some individuals in the treatment of sore muscles, joints and lower back pain. The PDR for Herbal Medicine and the Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine discuss the use of juniper for symptoms of rheumatism, arthritis and gout. "Aromatherapy Workbook" author Marcel Lavabre describes juniper oil's ability to promote uric acid and toxin elimination as the biological action for its effect on rheumatic symptoms.
Juniper oil's ability to stimulate kidney activity contributes to its use as a mild diuretic and as a hypotensive agent. The Commission E identifies antiseptic properties that might be beneficial in combating kidney and bladder infections.
According to the Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, juniper also produces a warming effect on the digestive system and affects the respiratory system. Juniper essential oil's effects on the digestive system include soothing the stomach, relieving gas, enhancing the appetite and increasing stomach acid production. Juniper oil acts as an expectorant when used with steam. This method can benefit coughs, bronchitis and other lung conditions.
Safety
Topical administration of dilute juniper essential oil, while safe for most individuals, presents risks. Research nurse Cherie Perez , with the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, warns expectant mother's to avoid juniper oil during pregnancy because of the oil's ability to stimulate the uterus. The oil's diuretic properties prohibit its internal use in inflammatory renal disease. Juniper overdose can induce symptoms of diarrhea, purplish urine, kidney and intestinal pain, and increased blood pressure. Allergic reactions and skin sensitivity might occur with juniper oil use. Avoid use with diuretics. Always consult your personal physician before using juniper oil. Should adverse reactions occur, stop using juniper oil immediately and call a doctor.
References
- "The Practice of Aromatherapy"; Jean Valnet, M.D., 1982
- "Aromatherapy Workbook"; Marcel Lavabre, 1990
- "Herbs and Spices for Florida Gardens"; Monica Moran Brandies, 1996
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines"; Medical Economics Company, 2000
- "Aromatherapy Handbook For Beauty, Hair and Skin Care"; Erich Keller, 1991
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