The Juniper Tree for Health & Healings
Juniper essential oil is extracted from the bark, needles and mature berries of a juniper tree. This oil's use has been traced back to ancient Egypt and the middle ages.
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The Facts
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Alternative medicine practitioners use juniper essential oil for maladies such as skin problems and ulcers. Juniper is also used for relieving menstrual bloating and cramping.
Ancient Uses
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People in the middle ages used juniper oil to ward off the plague. They also used the oil to treat respiratory problems, urinary infections, arthritis, gout, inflammation, and to help improve memory.
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Skin
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Juniper essential oil is used to treat many skin ailments such as acne, oily skin, eczema, blackheads and cellulite.
Aromatherapy
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Juniper has a calming scent of pine and wood. It is a very warm and soothing aroma and is used for aromatherapy. It can be used to treat insomnia, calm stressed nerves and improve mental clarity.
Inflammation
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Juniper oil can help reduce swelling and joint pain and is used to treat arthritis.
Warnings
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People with kidney disease, or who are pregnant should not use juniper essential oil. Always look at the ingredients; pure juniper essential oil will only use the oil derived from the berries. Oil containing turpentine or other harsh chemicals should not be used.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Cliff
