Guest guest Posted January 24, 2005 Report Share Posted January 24, 2005 Juniper is a slow growing shrub with bluish-green stiff needles; it has small yellow flowers and blue berries that turn black at ripening. It takes the berries of the juniper three years to ripen. Juniper is highly sought after and can be found in Hungary, Italy, France, and Canada and originally came from northern Europe. It is used for its aphrodisiac, cleansing, detoxifying and purifying and protective characteristics. The juniper’s essential oil is steam distilled from its berries, needles and bark. Juniper oil has a clear fresh peppery aroma. It is often prescribed by herbalist for its antiseptic, disinfectant, sedative, and stimulant properties. It may also be blended with bergamot, grapefruit, lavender, lime, and rosemary to prepare many different mixtures for different ailments. Juniper oil that is distilled from the berries is widely sought after, due to the quantity needed to make the oil and the long period of ripening. It is rare but when found is worth the expense. Juniper oil, made from berries, is extremely good for oily and congested skin: also it is used as a disinfectant to rid of lice, ticks, fleas and dermatitis. Juniper oil is one of the earliest essential oils found that was used during prehistoric times. Scientist today has reported finding traces in home dwellings and clay pots that dated over four thousand years. It has been used in several cultures during different centuries. Juniper oil has been reported to have been used by the Egyptians during burial ceremonies and in their cosmetics and perfumes. In Europe it was used to fight deadly infections like typhoid and cholera. Today juniper oil is used in some commercial disinfectants, since it makes a good household disinfectant. It is used in baths to rejuvenate the mind. It also is used to relieve fluid buildups by acting as a detoxifier. Herbalist for liver, kidney and bladder ailments often prescribes juniper. Although juniper is an excellent essential oil for many ailments it is suggested not to use during pregnancy due to it is known to induce labor. Suzi What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. http://suziesgoats.wholefoodfarmacy.com/__________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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