Description
Common juniper is a slow-growing evergreen conifer found across Europe, northern Asia and North America. Its berries are in fact fleshy cones that take two to three years to ripen from green to blue-black, so berries of several ages grow on the same branch. In the mountains of North Macedonia, Bosnia and Albania, rural pickers beat the branches over sheets or sieves in late summer and autumn so only ripe berries drop. The berries are cleaned, dried, crushed and distilled. The oil is clear to pale yellow with a crisp, piney, slightly peppery scent. The same berries flavour gin.
Details
| Botanical name | Juniperus communis (common juniper) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Balkans, Europe |
| Part used | Ripe berries |
| Extraction | Steam-distilled |
| Aroma | Crisp, piney, peppery |
| Ingredients | 100% Juniperus communis fruit oil |
Why supply is limited: most berries are gathered from wild shrubs on mountain slopes, pickers must take only ripe ones, and juniper grows slowly.
How to use
- Diffuser: add 3 to 4 drops to water in your diffuser.
- Beard oil: add 1 to 2 drops to a tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil.
- Bath: mix 4 drops into a tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil, then add to the bath.
Essential oils are concentrated. Always dilute before use on skin, patch test first, keep away from eyes and out of reach of children, and do not take internally. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor before use.
FAQs
Is this the same juniper used in gin?
Yes. Gin is flavoured with the berries of common juniper.
What does it blend with?
Cypress, cedarwood, bergamot and lavender.
Is it made from the needles?
No. Juniper berry oil is distilled from the ripe berries.
Rhonda –
I absolutely LOVE the smell of this oil. I have purchased numerous times~ one of my all time favorite oils!