Adriatic Juniper Berry Essential Oil

What makes Eastern Adriatic/Herzegovina region-grown, Juniper plant/essential oil profoundly special?

During the domestic research work on the realization of the project of introduction of Immortelle seedlings into the organic production, it was shown that the area of the town Ljubinje, i.e. Herzegovina region, has better climatic and pedological (soil) conditions for breeding not just Immortelle, but numerous other herbal and plant species, as well, which results in their prominent therapeutic/healing characteristics, in comparison to Europe’s/French well-known regions of Provence, and Corsica.

The “exclusivity” of the two lastly mentioned French regions, in upper stated context, is nothing more than a decades-long/well-financed, branded myth.

Herzegovina region, a worldwide heritage of more than 700 medicinal herbs and plants, many of which are endemic, specific/unique climatic, and soil characteristics, represent the mix of a warm Mediterranean, and cold Alpine mountains atmospheric conditions, followed by the rocky soil, rich in limestone.

It is exactly these, above highlighted, Nature itself-given aspects, that are resulting in the inimitable chemotype structure of Juniper Berry, and other essential oils, made from the herbs and plants, collected within the Herzegovina region borders. 

Pay close attention to what you are purchasing, and using, that markets as a “essential oil”, furthermore, and especially, as a “therapeutic-grade”, “food-grade”, “pure”, “local”, and similar!

It is not uncommon, and not a big secret, as a matter of fact, that many essential oil manufacturers, and retailers, are using shady/dishonest practices while distilling, and/or distributing their products.

These include, among other:

1. Completion of the distillation process within the period of time that is too short, and using temperatures/pressure that are too high/strong, in order for the essential oil extraction process to pass properly/smoothly, and to result in a final extract/essence that possesses all of the therapeutic/healing components of the herbal/plant raw material, in a concentrated form (this is a common, shady practice, with the industrially-made products)
2. Diluting the concentrate (essential oil/s), with natural and/or synthetic matter (for example, with using the following: Almond oil, fragrance chemicals, etc.)
3. Diluting the concentrate (essential oil/s), with other essential oil/s, which possess similar aroma, and are, usually, incomparably cheaper than the original concentrate being diluted; (classical example here is Melissa essential oil – it is often times diluted with citrus essential oils, whose smell resembles Lemon balm)
4. Subterfuge of synthetic/fragrance substances, marketed as “natural” “essential oils”
5. Deception regarding the location where the essential oil was distilled (for example, the Lemon/Orange/Melissa essential oils, marketed as “Mediterranean”, are, actually, made in India, China, etc.)
6. Increasing the amount of certain beneficial/valued compounds within the essential oils, explained within the following examples – the levels of neryl acetate, a valued/healing compound within the Helichrusym Italicum, is being increased by some distributors, through citrus fruits derived one, and/or it’s levels are being increased by mixing the two, different manufacturers produced, Helichrysum essential oils (one possessing lower levels of neryl acetate, and the other one higher levels of this compound).

Eastern Adriatic Juniper Berry Healing Essential Oil

In ancient times, the doctors of Greece, Rome and Arabia highly valued juniper antiseptic properties. It was one of the main remedies for the treatment of such contagious viruses as cholera and typhoid fever. In Tibet, it was used to protect against the plague.

In Mongolia, juniper was given to women during pregnancy. Doctors of the 15th and 16th centuries, used it not only as a remedy for the plague, but also as an antidote for snake and insect bites.

For a long time in France, branches of juniper and rosemary were burned to disinfect the air in hospital wards, and in Yugoslavia this plant was considered a panacea. Juniper once enjoyed a reputation as a preventative for diabetes.

From a therapeutic point of view, juniper berry essential oil has a strong astringent effect and is excellent for acne-prone and oily skin. This essential oil can be used in massage for rheumatic pains, fluid retention, bloating, muscle pain, spasms and cramps, detoxification, depression and stress-related conditions.

Health Benefits, Uses:

Immune system: The main property of juniper is its ability to remove toxic substances from the body. It is one of the most valuable oils in all situations where the body needs to rid itself of toxins. In such cases, the diuretic effect of juniper also plays an important role. It purifies the blood and removes toxins.

Possesses a general stimulating effect on the body, helps to overcome lethargy and drowsiness,  resulting from congestion with toxins.

Urogenital system: Tonifying, stimulating, cleansing, and antiseptic effect on the urinary organs. This is one of the best oils that can be used to treat cystitis, pyelitis (inflammation of the renal pelvis) and kidney stones.

Suitable for urinary retention, which often occurs in men with an enlarged prostate, however, large amounts can, on the contrary, cause urinary retention.

Reproductive system: Favorably affects and, moreover, normalizes the menstrual cycle, relieves pain during cramps. With scanty cycle, juniper can be used in baths or for abdominal massage. It works just as effective as sage here. Recommended for yeast infections and vaginitis.

Musculoskeletal system: The oil promotes breakdown of uric acid, therefore, it is beneficial for those with arthritis, rheumatism, gout, and sciatica. It strengthens the limbs, helps with difficulty of movements and stiffness, reliving the accompanying pain.

Circulatory system: Increases the elasticity of blood vessels, has an anti-sclerotic effect, normalizes blood pressure. Helps with quickly neutralizing the hypotonic nausea: eliminates dizziness, darkening of the eyes, weakness.

Respiratory system: Induces a softening, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect. It is used for bronchitis, cough.

Digestive system: .Juniper berry essential oil is known for its cleansing properties, the ability to remove toxins, especially when unhealthy foods and alcohol are abused. The oil removes mucus from the intestines, has positive effect on hemorrhoids. Normalizes appetite, helps those struggling with obesity. Acts as a tonic for the liver, improves liver cirrhosis.

Skin system: Highly valuable for treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Note: the oil stimulates the body to get rid of toxic substances, therefore, before visible improvement, the skin condition may become worse, at first instance.

Increases circulation, retains moisture in the skin, heals small cracks. Treats ulcers, boils, skin infections.

Promotes the regeneration of skin cells, heals scarring wounds, hemorrhoids, prevents the growth of scar and atypical tissue.

Psycho-emotional action:

• Aids in reliving anxiety, insomnia, depression
• Clears the mind, strengthens the nerves
• Clears the aura, helps to maintain mind strength in difficult situations
• Clears the mind and, as such, especially is useful for those who, by the nature of their work, have to communicate with a lot with people, or with those who tend to drain the emotions of the interlocutor
• Eliminates stress reactions and destructive emotions: irritability, aggression

Cosmetic action:

• Suitable for the care of all skin types
• Increases skin elasticity, eliminates its flabbiness, lethargy
• Improves skin color and tired look
• The combination of astringent, antiseptic and cleansing properties, cleans and tightens pores with oily skin, relieves acne
• Increases blood circulation in all layers of the skin, as well as the ability to remove toxins and free radicals from the skin
• Makes hair stronger, adds shine, eliminates dandruff, treats seborrhea
• Useful for cellulite, which implies the accumulation of toxins is combined with fluid retention. Here, juniper berry essential oil provides a double effect, as a means of cleansing the toxins and having a diuretic effect
• Suppresses the enzyme elastase, which has a detrimental effect on skin elastin, i.e. causes skin aging. Elastase activity increases with age, creating gaps in collagen and elastin, and leading to a decrease in skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks. Thus, the use of Juniper essential oil can slow down the aging process of the skin.

Botanical Name: Juniperus communis

Extraction Method: Steam distilled

Part of Plant Distilled: Berries

Country of Origin: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Composition: 100% Juniperus communis

Consistency: Thin

Cultivation Method: Wild-Crafted

Scent Description: Fresh, sweet balsamic, woody green fragrance, with activating coniferous undertones