Juniper berries, juniper essential oils, and the cade oil that comes with dry distillation of the juniper berry have been treating the sick and injured for many centuries. In this article, you will learn of the many different medical ailments the berries create results with, as well as a few ways on how to prepare a variety of natural treatments.
Juniper trees, plants, and bushes are found all over the world with many different species and identifying qualities. It is not uncommon to see such an item in California, Mexico, or the West Indies. When preparing an herbal treatment that use juniper, you will focus on the berries and associated oils to create infusions, tinctures, lotions, chest rubs, oils, massage oils, ointments, and even hair rinses.
Using the Berries
Juniper berries are known to make effective infusions and tinctures. An infusion of the berries may treat an upset stomach or ease the pain of a heavy menstruation. One should sip a weak infusion made of 15 grams of berries combined with two cups of water. Tinctures are rather stronger, but show promise in treating urinary infections, cystitis, and a malfunctioning digestive system. It is suggested to take 2 milliliters of a juniper tincture for three times per day.
Using Essential Oils
Juniper berries create essential oils when fully ripened, which are then used to generate lotions, chest rubs, oils, and massage oils. Juniper lotion is created when adding 5 drops of essential juniper oil to 50 milliliters each of rosewater and witch hazel, which work great to combat oily skin and bouts of acne. One may dilute 10 drops of juniper oil and 10 drops of thyme oil with 20 milliliters of almond oil to create a chest rub that battles coughs that just won’t go away. When adding 5 drops of juniper oil to bathwater, muscle pains, gout symptoms, and the signs of arthritis seem to melt away. To treat arthritic joints, dilute 10 drops of juniper oil with 5 milliliters of almond oil to create an effective massage oil.
Using Cade Oil
The cade oil that dry distillation of juniper berries creates is used to produce ointments and hair rinses. To enjoy the benefits of an ointment that treats chronic eczema (with scaling) or psoriasis, add 10 drops of cade oil to 20 milliliters of melted ointment base. Once cooled off, apply to affected skin. A hair rinse to treat psoriasis of the scalp, combine 10 drops of cade oil to two cups of hot water. After mixing well, leave the remedy on the hair for at least 15 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse.
Juniper Use Cautions
When considering an herbal remedy that contains juniper, you should know that pregnant women should avoid the herb because it does contain a uterine stimulant and may cause some to enter labor too early. Also, juniper is known to irritate the kidneys when taken for long periods of time. It is recommended to avoid taking for more than six weeks without leaving room for a breather. Any kidney damage present in the system means it is wise to avoid the berries altogether.