Juniper has been used as a natural detoxifying agent for years. It contains many natural compounds that can purify the air, making it cleaner to breathe. In fact, it was not uncommon for hospital wards in France to burn juniper to keep bacteria and infections from spreading to patients.

Today, Juniper is still a major player in the detoxification treatment arena, but there are many more benefits of juniper essential oil than freshness.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of smelling juniper essential oil, you would know that it has an easily identifiable fragrance. The scent is clean, woody, spicy, and slightly reminiscent of balsamic vinegar. Harvested from the needles and berries of the evergreen shrub, when steam distilled to make juniper essential oil, the concentration becomes richer, more intense, and beneficial in many ways.

The benefits of juniper essential oil are extensive. Consider using this essential oil if you have problems with any of the following:

• Excessive Gas and Stomach Trouble. Gas when trapped in the intestines, can be painful to the point of tears. If it forces its way up to the stomach area, it can cause indigestion and chest pain. Use juniper essential oil to remove gas at the source. This also works for acid reflux and stomach ulcers, as it maintains acid balance in the stomach.
• Skin Irritations and Imperfections. The antimicrobial properties in juniper essential oil makes it a natural for helping in the healing of irritated skin from rashes and eczema. This essential oil can aid in reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks, and works to banish acne. And the antiseptic properties in juniper essential oil can prevent sepsis from setting in from a wound.
• Trouble Falling Asleep and Staying Asleep. Juniper essential oil has been part of a natural sleep inducing team for years. Diffused with sandalwood or rose essential oil, it can promote feelings of peace and reduce anxiety. Its compounds have a relaxing effect on the brain, making slumber easier to obtain without the use of dangerous prescription medication.