Composition
100% essential oil of Juniperus communis. Origin: Eastern Europe.
The plant and the oil
Juniper is a conifer, and its "berries" are the fleshy seed cones of the female plant, which turn purple-black when ripe.[2]
Scent
What it smells like. In aromatherapy the oil is described as crisp, woody, sweet and earthy, with an almost hidden fruity note.[3]
Where it sits in a blend. It is a middle note of mild to medium strength.[3]
What it goes with. Wood oils such as cedarwood and sandalwood, other conifers such as cypress and fir needle, and clary sage, vetiver, patchouli and citrus oils such as sweet orange and grapefruit.[3]
How to use
- As a room scent: the oil is intended to invigorate and lift the mood.[1]
- In aromatherapy it is described as calming and easing stress without a sedative effect, and it is used in room mists and diffusers to cleanse the air; aromatherapy books also list it for colds, flu, acne and rheumatism.[3]
In the air. Use it in a room mist or a diffuser.[3] Air the room regularly: breathing a lot of vapour for an hour or more can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea.[4]
On the skin, diluted. Never put the oil on the skin undiluted.[4] Mix it into a carrier oil such as jojoba oil.
For people aged 15 and over, the recommended share of essential oil in a blend is up to 2% for general wellbeing, but not every day. During an illness, at most 5% is acceptable, and only for a short time.[5]
| Share of essential oil | Essential oil in 10 ml of blend | Carrier oil in 10 ml of blend |
|---|---|---|
| 2% | 0.2 ml | 9.8 ml |
Example: for 10 ml of a 2% blend, mix 0.2 ml of the oil with 9.8 ml of carrier oil.
Before the first use. Test a little of the blend on a small patch of skin. Apply it only to unbroken skin. If the skin reacts, stop and apply a little vegetable oil or cream.[4]
In the bath. Essential oil does not mix with water,[6] so stir the drops into a natural bath gel base or a little vegetable oil first.[4]
Precautions
- do not swallow the oil;[7]
- keep it away from the eyes;[4]
- keep the bottle out of the reach of children.[4]
- Do not use the oil if it has oxidised (changed through contact with air).[3]
- If the skin is sensitive, first test the blend on a small patch.[4]
- Young children are more sensitive to essential oils than adults.[4]
- Sources differ on juniper oil in pregnancy (see juniper berry essential oil); an aromatherapy safety list counts properly diluted juniper among the oils that appear to be safe in pregnancy.[4]
- The oil is highly flammable: keep it away from candles and open flames.[4]
Sources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Vivasan, product packaging of Juniper Berry (E 106).
- ↑ EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP), Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of an essential oil and tincture from the berries of Juniperus communis L. (juniper oil and juniper tincture) for use in all animal species. EFSA Journal 2023, 21(4), e07977.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 AromaWeb, Juniper Berry Essential Oil. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), Safety. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
- ↑ International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA), Guidelines to IFPA Members Treating Babies and Children. Revised August 2021.
- ↑ Tisserand Institute, Safety guidelines. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
- ↑ International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA), Statement on Internal and Undiluted Use of Essential Oils. November 2019.