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Juniper Berries, Tips & Wood Juniperus communis

Description: Over 50 species of Juniper grow across the Northern Hemisphere. They are considered by many cultures to be scared trees and shrubs. Female shrubs produce juniper berries. For incense use, the wood, berries, and dried tips are used. 

In Himalayan cultures, juniper is used for cleansing during spiritual rituals. Native Americans used juniper incense to greet guests and to support peyote ceremony.

Threatened Species Alert: Status: "Lower Risk, Least Concern." The 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species now includes this species. See Cropwatch and IUCN.

Family: Cupressaceae

Synonyms: none known

Origin: scattered across the entire Northern Hemisphere

Parts Used: wood, tips, dried berries

Aroma Description: warm, woody-sweet, balsamic, pine-needle like notes

Emotional Attributes: strengthening, cleansing/purifying

Cosmetic Uses: Perfumery, aromatherapy

Culinary Uses: used to flavor gin, beer, liqueurs, and meats.

Medicinal Attributes: antiseptic and diuretic, improves digestion, gas and colic, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the uterus. Used to treat kidney inflammation, rheumatism, arthritis, and neuralgia.

*Warning: Avoid during pregnancy or in cases of present kidney disease or kidney infection*

Element Association: Fire

Magical Associations: protection, healing

Astrological Association: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Planetary Association: Sun

Season: Summer

Aromatic Note: Wood=Base note,  Tips & Berries=Base to Middle

Essential Oil: Yes, the berries are steam distilled to extract their essential oils. The wood is too but it's oil much rarer in the marketplace. A Juniper berry resinoid is also made using hydrocarbon solvents. It's sometimes offered as "Juniper berry Concrete." Threatened Species Alert: Status: "Lower Risk, Least Concern." The 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species now includes this species. See Cropwatch and IUCN.

*Warning: Avoid during pregnancy or in cases of present kidney disease or kidney infection*

Mixes Well With: bay laurel, benzoin, borneol camphor, burgundy pitch, cedar-red, chamomile, elemi, labdanum, lavender, lemon balm, mastic, oakmoss, opoponax, pine needles, pine resin, sage-white, sage-desert, sandalwood, tolu balsam, etc.

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