Juniperus communis/Juniper Berry

pH 3.3–3.6

Aroma and Taste Extremely dry, almost musty, and bittersweet in aroma. The flavor is almost woody and the astringency causes contraction of the tissue in the mouth. Diluted, it is still very dry but not uncomfortably astringent—in fact, it’s a lot like really dry gin!

Stability and Shelf Life Relatively unstable. Often less than twelve months, and rarely up to fourteen months. Despite its fairly low pH, juniper berry is very prone to bloom and must be carefully monitored.

Properties and Applications A powerful diuretic, whether used topically or internally. It contracts tissue, pushing out intracellular fluid, and promotes kidney functions. It is also a circulatory stimulant but does not seem to affect blood pressure. This is the hydrosol to use for gout, edema, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, and any water-retention-related issues. Try combining it with cypress or goldenrod. However, because of its powerful diuretic qualities, it should not be used by people with serious kidney problems or an overactive bladder. The body will not be able to excrete the fluid volumes being processed.

This is a good choice for a cleanse or as part of a weight-loss program; use alone or in a blend both internally and topically. Juniper is cleansing and detoxifying to both the physical and the etheric body. For cellulite, try a three-week protocol internally and combine it with topical compresses of juniper, cypress, and immortelle hydrosols undiluted. A daily sea-salt scrub or dry brushing will also help. If weight loss is the aim, blend juniper, cypress, peppermint, and sage. This mix will improve circulation, cleanse, aid digestion and elimination, and help control the appetite. Note: Daily consumption of juniper hydrosol alone gets boring because the flavor is so musty. Blending it, or adding one drop of lemon oil to the water, reduces flavor fatigue.

In skin care, juniper berry is useful for oily or acneic conditions. Use undiluted as a toner after washing with a mild cleanser. Mix it with red clay for a mask and add two drops of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) or lemon essential oil. If the face is very puffy, combine juniper and yarrow or German chamomile hydrosols with green or blue clay and two or three drops of the essential oil of any one of the three (see the recipes in chapter 6 for more skin treatments).

Highly energetic, juniper berry is one of the best for vibrational work. Keep a bottle in your treatment room and mist a few sprays into the air and on the treatment table after each client to transmute any residual “vibes.” Apply one drop to the palm of each hand, rub them together, and wipe them through the auric field to cleanse yourself. Very protective; use it with intention to create an effective “light shield” that blocks both the outward and the inward movement of inappropriate energies.

Delicious in cooking, in marinades, sauces, and gravies.

AVOID in the first trimester of pregnancy and in cases of kidney disease.