Junipers In the past, many cultures attributed magical effects to the pine tree. It was revered as a tree with powerful protective powers, as a guardian of the gateway to other worlds and the abode of supernatural creatures and forces. About sweet-bitter woody notes of juniper oil, which dissolves and cleanses negative influences and at the same time strongly strengthens our courage and determination, as aromatherapist and phytotherapist Aneta Jirchářová will tell you.
From juniper berries to gin
Juniper is a shrub with a branched and crooked trunk. And it is a truly strange deciduous shrub, whose leaves are like needles. Sharp and stiff. The fruits, which look like berries, are junipers. The first year they are green and only in the second year are they fully ripe and have a black-blue color. Previously, it was a very sought-after medicinal plant that helped with diseases of the heart, kidneys, liver and stomach. It was an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen and, of course, they also made juniper brandy from it. Which is the first thing that comes to mind these days. Gin!
Cleansing juniper smoke
And because plants are not just for beauty, but each one is a complex organism, juniper can show us its power both in its fruits and in its leaves, which resemble needles. I would say that it distinguished itself in the Middle Ages, when it disinfected spaces, even from the plague. I am very grateful that we no longer have to fight the plague and juniper is therefore free in this regard, but deliberately try smoking juniper berries or putting them on a hot plate (unfortunately, this does not work on an induction hob) ... and you will immediately see, or rather feel, how beautifully they will smell in your room. I love it!
Juniper essential oil
In aromatherapy, we most often work with juniper essential oil, which is distilled from the fruit. However, the essential oil from its twigs is nothing to be ashamed of either. Rather, it is something to be amazed about. The essential oil contained in the plant is the most important therapeutically. It has diuretic properties. This means that it cleanses our body of everything undesirable and, together with body fluids, eliminates everything from the body. When applied to the skin, of course in diluted form (in vegetable oil, but I certainly don't need to remind you of that), it increases blood circulation in the skin and thus accelerates healing processes in the body. Juniper cleanses the body, but also the spirit.
Aromatherapy with juniper oil
The scent of essential oil helps break our stagnation. It gives us energy and the will to get to work. It is suitable during times when we lose our "juice" and feel depressed. It helps us find motivation again. What I like most about it is that its scent will dress us in armor. Just try to enter my simplicity, violate my boundaries, through the barbed wire from the branches of juniper! The courage it gives us, to go after our own, to stand up for our own opinion. Juniper can do that.
Juniper harvest
If you plan to go to a juniper tree and pick some of its berries, expect to get a little pricked, but these are just tiny injections of juniper juice that won't hurt you. And when you're standing near it, try to look deep into its branches. Don't you think there are curious little eyes hiding among the juniper berries?
Author: Aneta Jirchářová
A graduate of art school, a professional aromatherapist and phytotherapist specializing in aromatherapy massages, who likes to perceive aromatherapy from the perspective of colors.
"I most often seek inspiration in nature, which I admire and respect for its wisdom. In my drawings, I try to capture the soul and power of the plant."
Read the previous article Anet here.
Juniper essential oils from both the fruit and the needles buy here.
