Juniper Berry Essential Oil Benefits
Juniper Berry Essential Oil Benefits are numerous and profound. At Miracle Botanicals, we carry two main varieties of juniper berry essential oil: common juniper (Juniperus communis) and mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum). We also carry a very special Co2-extracted common juniper.
Customers frequently ask me which juniper berry oil is right for them, so I decided to put together this short guide to help you answer that question.
The two main varieties of juniper are related, as are their essential oils. However, there is also quite a bit of difference in the actual constituents of the essential oils, and this will mean a difference in aroma as well as in therapeutic properties.
Before I address the differences between our two juniper berry varieties, let me first tell you their common points. First off, juniper berry essential oils come from berries of the female juniper trees coniferous trees that grow all around the world in hundreds of different species.
These berries have been used for a long time as a fundamental part of natural medicine to treat infections, promote stamina, and as a part of traditional cleansing ceremonies.
In modern times, juniper berry essential oils have also been studied scientifically. We now know that they are mostly composed of monoterpenes, a class of aromatic chemicals that have a range of therapeutic benefits, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and analgesic effects.
With that said, let’s look at the two specific juniper berry oils and their unique properties.
Common Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Common juniper is a very widespread tree. In fact, it has the widest geographical range of any woody plant it ranges throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Common juniper essential oil tends to have a fresh, fruity, green, and slightly balsamic aroma.
This oil is very high in alpha-pinene, which can account for as much as 55% of the total. Alpha-pinene is one of the most widely occurring essential oil compounds, and its also found in large amounts in frankincense, pine, and rosemary oils.
Alpha-pinene is a bronchodilator, and it's the reason why common juniper berry essential oil helps with breathing problems. This compound also has anti-inflammatory properties, acts as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and it even helps improve memory.
Organic CO2 Juniper Berry Essential Oil 
In addition to alpha-pinene, our current batch of CO2 Extracted Juniper Berry essential oil contains significant amounts of myrcene, another monoterpene, and the reason for the slightly fruity aroma of this variety. Myrcene is also found in large amounts in cannabis essential oil and acts as a sedative and for pain relief.
For the chemical analysis of our current batch of essential oils, you can check the "Test Report" tab on the individual product listings.
Because of its chemical profile, common Juniper Essential Oil may be particularly useful for the following:
Respiratory Health
Alpha-pinene is a bronchodilator, and it's the reason why common juniper berry essential oil helps with breathing problems.
Improved Circulation
Juniper Berry Essential oil can help reduce water retention, inflammation, and cellulite.
Pain Relief and Muscle Cramping
Myrcene is also found in significant amounts in the Co2 Extracted Juniper Berry essential oil, and thereby acts as a sedative and pain reliever.
Gum Health
Juniper Berry is highly effective in aiding gum and tooth health because of its antiseptic and antibiotic components.
Detoxing
Juniper Berry can help detox the body from parasites, help balance the digestive system and strengthen the cardiovascular and nervous system.
Improves Memory
With high amounts of Alpha-pinene, Juniper Berry can help improve memory retention, helping with alertness and increasing focus.
Skin Cell Regeneration
Juniper Berry is an excellent aid for wound healing. It can help restore pigment to the skin, even out and tone, and heal rashes and eczema by helping to regenerate skin cells.
Many people also find common Juniper Berry Essential Oil (whether steam distilled or Co2-extracted) effective for improving cellulite and acne. In fact, it’s an important ingredient in our Fat Free Body Formula.
At this point, I have to address a couple of claims that are commonly made against common juniper essential oil that it can be harmful to kidneys if used for a prolonged period of time, and that it shouldn’t be used during pregnancy.
I've checked Robert Tisserands book Essential Oil Safety, the authoritative safety text when it comes to essential oils. According to this book, there is no good reason to back up the claim that common juniper berry essential oil is harmful to kidneys or that it’s dangerous during pregnancy. In fact, these claims are probably due to a long-running confusion between common juniper berry and another essential oil, savin (Juniperus sabina).
Rocky Mountain Juniper
Mountain juniper berry, also known as Rocky Mountain juniper or weeping juniper is a species of juniper native to the western parts of North America. At Miracle Botanicals, we source our Mountain Juniper Essential Oil directly from a small family distiller in the Arizona desert. The aroma of mountain juniper berry is fresh and warm, with minor citrus overtones and a trace amount of camphor.
Are you seeking a natural way to enhance your well-being and bring a touch of the great outdoors into your daily routine? Look no further than Juniperus scopulorum essential oil, a hidden gem in the world of aromatherapy.
What is Juniperus Scopulorum?
Our Rocky Mountain Juniper essential oil comes from trees growing in the Arizona desert at an impressive 7,000 ft elevation! This unique environment contributes to the oil’s exceptional quality and potency.
Juniperus scopulorum, commonly known as Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a coniferous tree native to western North America. Our essential oil is extracted from the twigs and berries, carrying a wealth of benefits that can positively impact your health and home.
The distinctive characteristics of Rocky Mountain juniper make it a remarkable species in the cypress family. The tree develops thin, fibrous bark that sheds with age, typically displaying reddish-brown to gray-brown coloring. Its branches form an irregular crown with thick, ascending limbs that extend to ground level.
The foliage exhibits unique adaptability, featuring two distinct leaf types. The mature leaves are scalelike, measuring 1-3 mm in length, while juvenile foliage appears more needle-like and spans 3-12 mm. Additionally, the tree produces small, fleshy cones often called "berries" that measure 4-8 mm in diameter. These berries mature from green to bluish-purple over two years, developing a distinctive white, waxy coating.
primarily growing in dry, clay, rocky, or sandy slopes. Furthermore, it adapts well to various moisture conditions, though it performs best in moist, deep soils with good drainage.
The reproductive cycle of this species is particularly interesting. The tree is primarily dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Consequently, pollination occurs through wind distribution, with female flowers becoming more noticeable during late summer before opening the following spring. The berries serve a crucial role in seed dispersal, primarily facilitated by birds who can consume and pass up to 900 seeds in just five hours.
Scientific Research on Mountain Juniper
Research on Rocky Mountain Juniper essential oil highlights its unique properties and variations. A study found that the essential oil content and composition vary between male and female trees and change with the seasons. Key components like alpha-pinene, sabinene, and elemol differ in concentration depending on the tree's gender and the time of year. This oil is valued for its pleasant aroma, antioxidant activity, and potential therapeutic uses. These findings suggest diverse applications for the oil in various industries.
In Rocky Mountain Juniper essential oil, the chemical composition can indeed indicate whether the oil is derived from a male or female tree. Typically, male and female trees have different concentrations of certain compounds. For instance, male trees generally have higher concentrations of alpha-pinene, while female trees tend to have higher levels of sabinene.
Our Rocky Mountain Juniper Essential Oil is sourced exclusively from female juniper trees. This aromatic treasure boasts an impressive 49.51% sabinene content.
Properties and Benefits of the Oil
The chemical profile of our Mountain juniper essential oil reveals a rich composition of therapeutic compounds. The primary constituents include:
Sabinene (49.91%)
γ-terpinene (9.95%)
4-terpineol (6.79%)
Limonene (5.18%)
α-terpinene (4.52%)
The main constituent of our mountain juniper essential oil is the monoterpene, sabinene, accounts for almost 50% of the oil. Sabinene is a natural antifungal and antioxidant. It is not nearly as common as alpha-pinene, though it is also found in significant amounts in frankincense frereana and black pepper essential oils (it's responsible for the spiciness of black pepper).
Research demonstrates that Rocky Mountain juniper essential oil possesses potent antimicrobial properties. Hence, the oil effectively eliminates bacteria resistant to common antibiotics. Similarly, studies indicate its capability to destroy candida fungus, making it valuable for treating various fungal infections.
As a result of its chemical composition, the oil demonstrates remarkable wound healing capabilities. Studies confirm its anti-inflammatory properties, accordingly making it beneficial for treating skin conditions. The oil's toning qualities make it particularly effective for body care applications.
Unlike common juniper berry essential oil, mountain juniper berry contains significant amounts of alpha-terpinene, a substance also found in tea tree oil and studied for its anti-cancer properties.
In addition, it contains limonene, which is responsible for the citrusy overtone of this oil. Limonene is a natural compound found in all citrus peels. This potent terpene offers a range of holistic health benefits, including mood enhancement, digestive support, and potential anti-inflammatory effects. This aromatic wonder also boasts antioxidant properties, may boost immune function, and could contribute to skin health.
Antioxidant Support
The oil's therapeutic value extends beyond its antimicrobial effects. Laboratory analyzes have identified 87 distinct antioxidant compounds, primarily concentrated in ripe berries. The oil supports three crucial antioxidants in the body: superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Support
• Nature's first line of defense against free radicals
• Helps maintain cellular health and longevityCatalase Boost
• Breaks down harmful hydrogen peroxide in your body
• Supports overall cellular protectionGlutathione Peroxidase Enhancement
• Known as the "master antioxidant"
• Plays a crucial role in detoxification and immune function
By nurturing these three vital antioxidants, our juniper essential oil may help:
• Combat oxidative stress
• Support overall wellness
• Promote a healthy aging process
Other Benefits of Mountain Juniper Essential Oil
- Improves Circulation
Thanks to its high antioxidant properties, Mountain Juniper Berry is great for reducing cellulite, toning the skin, and balancing the skin. - Ease Muscle Cramps
Because it is high in the chemical component Sabinene, this oil can help to relieve pain and can ease symptoms of arthritis. - Digestive Health
Mountain Juniper Berry is an especially helpful aid in balancing digestive issues. Such as healing stomach ulcers, helping liver & gallbladder with bile regulation, and balancing intestinal gas or bloating. - Uplifting and Clarifying to the Mind
Mountain Juniper Berry is one of the most grounding essential oils in aromatherapy and is known to support the reduction of stress & anxiety. One sniff can brighten a foggy day and help to bring focus and joy into the moment.
Respiratory Support
When applied topically over the chest or inhaled through a steam, this essential oil can help clear congestion in the lungs and support easier & healthier breathing. - Skin Health
The natural antispectic properties of Mountain Juniper can help with minor skin irritations or wounds. - Natural Cleansing
Diffuse this essence to purify the air, or add some drops to your eco-friendly cleaning solutions with its natural goodness. For an extra strong cleaning solution, try mixing a few drops with our Disinfect Blend.
Which Juniper is right for you?
If you’re looking to heal wounds, remedy bacterial infections, or deal with breathing issues, then common Juniper Berry Essential Oil is the way to go. You can opt for our Co2 Extract or Steam Distilled variety.
If you need to remedy a fungal infection or to promote liver function and healthy digestion, then Mountain Juniper Berry is your choice.
Beyond this, both oils offer pain relief and are uplifting and clarifying to the mind. Choosing between them will be a matter of which aroma you prefer. If you prefer more fruity and balsamic that's common juniper, more citrusy and slightly camphorous is the case of mountain juniper.
Personally, I love both varieties of our juniper berry essential oils, though there's a special place in my heart for the mountain juniper. I love to use it in the shower, by just placing a few drops in my palm and spreading it all over my body from toes to neck. I find that this oil is also great when inhaled as a way to bring my thoughts back to peace.
I hope this brief guide will help you decide which juniper berry is right for you. If you still have any questions or need help making up your mind, chat with us at Miraclebotanicals.com!
