Juniper

Juniper Berry or Common juniper contains limonene, myrcene, and alpha pinene. The oil from juniper berries is produced by steam distillation. Adulterants of the oil from juniper berries include the use of the distillate from fermented juniper berries for making gin. Oil from juniper berries blends well with lavender oil, clary sage, sandalwood essential oil, rosemary oil, Basil oil, vetiver oil, cypress oil, and lavandin.

Common Name: Juniper Berry

Botanical Name: Juniperus communis L.

Family: Cupressaceae.

Synonyms: Common juniper.

Origin: Indigenous to the northern hemisphere. Grows in dry areas in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. The oil is produced mostly in Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Botanical Description: An evergreen perennial shrub that can grow to 5 meters (15 ft.) in height, with bluish-green narrow needle-like leaves. It has an irregular stem and the leaves are terminated by a sharp thorn. The shrub has inconspicuous male and female flowers on separate plants. The berries are round and blue-violet in color.

Extraction: Oil from juniper berries is obtained by the steam distillation of the dried ripe berries. The oil is a fluid pale yellow to colorless liquid.

Yield:
0. 5 to 2.5%.

Aroma Profile: Has a fresh, pine needle-like top note. The middle note is warm and balsamic sweet with a pine-like undertone. The dry out is rich, balsamic, and relatively lasting.

Major Constituents: α-pinene(35%), myrcene (30%), β-pinene, sabinene, limonene.

Adulterants: With distillate of fermented berries used in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages (gin). Indicated by sharp terpenic oils.

Regulatory Status: GRAS 182.20.

Aromatherapy: Oil from juniper berries is refreshing, restoring, strengthening, and warming.

Blends well with: Basil oil, clary sage, cypress oil, fennel, fir needle, lavandin, lavender oil, pine oil, rosemary oil, sandalwood essential oil, and vetiver.

Safety Data: Generally non-toxic, non-sensitizing. A skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy.

Notes: Whole juniper berries are also available from Hope for Health.