Juniper
Profile
| Latin Name | Juniperus communis |
| Chinese Name | Not Known |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Note | Medium |
| Aroma | <Strong> Pinelike |
| Color | Clear to Pale-Yellow/Pale Green |
| Parts Distilled | Berries |
| Regions | France, Italy, Spain, Yugoslavia, Siberia, Austria, North America |
| Taste | Spicy, Bitter |
| Nature | Warming |
| Affinity | LR/KI |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Monoterpenes (~60-80%) |
| Skin Type | Oily |
| Dosage | 8% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Expel wind-damp-cold bi-obstruction
- Drain damp cold
- Promote menstruation
Indications
- Wind-Damp-Cold Bi-Obstruction (Ah-shi, SP-9, GB-31, KI-7, ST-36) Cold in the Blood with amenorrhea or painful menses with thick dark clots (LR-1, SP-1, CV-2, LR-8, SP-8)
- Topical/Other Application(s):
Specific Protocols
- Apply a 8% dilution for Bladder/Kidney Divergent Channels, especially for removal of latency from the joints.
- Apply a 8% dilution of Juniper (40%), Atlas Cedar (30%), Birch (20%), and Rosemary (20%) for Wind-Damp-Cold Bi-Obstruction.
Actions
- Emmenagogue (a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow)
- Diuretic
- Analgesic
Contraindications & Cautions
- Deficient kidney yin
- Pregnancy (toxicity will result in redness of skin and blisters)
- Nephrotoxic (not to be used with visceral kidney conditions)
- Not for pre-pubescent children
Notes
- Not for internal use
- For cold in the blood, amenorrhea, painful menses, dark clots
- For someone who is always feeling victimized
- Helps someone to let go of regrets
- For Bi syndrome
- Good on the Ren Mai with Oak Moss & Eucalyptus for emotional drainage, helping one let go of Ren accumulation of damp & phlegm
Additional Comments
- Juniper combines synergistically well with Rosemary.
- Juniper Twig essential oil (produced mainly in Yugoslavia) is a mucolytic and a diuretic.
- Juniper from Montana tends to be high in esters (good for neurological/wind conditions)
From Class
- Juniper: Oil that resonates with BL-25 Dachangshu; apply a drop on the point. (Yuen)
- Juniper and magnolia: Have an affinity for the Spleen; inhale or apply with carrier oil. (Lewis)