Juniper essential oil is a widely used oil owing to its many therapeutic properties. The oil is derived from the various parts of the juniper plant. The wood, needles, and the fruits of the juniper plant are steam distilled to extract the essential oil. The oil may also be used to add flavor to alcoholic beverages, especially gin. Since juniper is an evergreen bush, the plant is easily accessible, and therefore, its oil is also easily available.
Juniper oil has been used extensively in ancient medicine. It has antiseptic, diuretic, anti rheumatic, astringent, anti-spasmodic, tonic, carminative, depurative, rubefacient, and vulnerary properties. Since it has many healing properties, it makes for an excellent medicine.
Here are some of the health benefits of Juniper oil:
- Antiseptic: The antiseptic properties of the oil make it excellent for being used on wounds. If you sustain an injury, simply wash it with water and smear juniper oil on it. However, the oil should be used only with another carrier oil. In the ancient times, the oil was also used at the time of labor to protect both mother and child from infections like tetanus.
- Anti-spasmodic: The essential oil of juniper is very warm and therefore can be applied on the body in order to treat spasms in the muscles. The warmth of the oil allows the blood vessels to expand so that blood circulation can be improved. Juniper oil can be used to get relief from conditions like rheumatism, gout, and arthritis.
- Diuretic: If you are suffering from water retention, you can use juniper oil. Its properties as a diuretic allow you to pass urine at a greater frequency. This allows excess of water to be removed from the body.
- Astringent: The astringent properties of the oil make it effective for the treatment of hair fall, diarrhea, and toothaches. The oil can also be applied on the face to keep the skin looking fresh and young.
- Carminative: Juniper oil helps in removal of waste gases from the gastrointestinal tract. It increases flatulence temporarily so that all the gases in the gastrointestinal tract can be easily eliminated.
- Depurative: Juniper oil can help remove toxins from the blood, thereby purifying it. By using the depurative regularly, you can keep removing these toxins from the body. This improves the function of the circulation system and also relieves the kidneys and the renal system from detoxification of the blood.
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