Juniper Berry - (Juniperus communis)

Of the 60 spices of Juniper, the one which yields berries, Juniper communis is used for culinary and medical purpose. The trees are unisexual, the flowers 'cones' of the female trees develop into berries. All GINS have Junipe flavorings.

The essential oil: The oil is distilled from fresh black ripe berries. The oil is transparent, fluid and colourless, sometimes with a tinge of greenish yellow. The aroma is similar to that of pine, but more peppery, hot and balsamic, with a burning, somewhat bitter taste. The principal constituents are alphapinene, borneol, juniperine, terpineol.

Properties: Antirheumatic (promotes renal excretion of toxins and uric acid)
Analgesic (relieves pain)
Anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation)
Diuretics (eliminates the problems of water retention, promotes weight loss)
Antiseptic, digestive, urinary and pulmonary
Anticatarrhal, expectorant

Directions:
Rheumatism, rheumatic pains
arthritis, rheumatoid, gout, neuritis, sciatica
weight, water retention, cellulite
weak or painful periods,
inflammatory and spasmodic colitis, enterocolitis fermentation
acne, oily skin, eczema, herpes, seborrhea of the scalp.

External Use:Localized Massage : 5 drops on the solar plexus, neck or spine and the painful parts.
Baths: 5 drops in the bath to relieve arthritis and rheumatism.

Specialties: Not recommended during pregnancy. Avoid application to the face.

Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Some oils are prohibited to pregnant women and children. Keep away from flame.