Juniper, with its lightly camphorous scent, adds a woody freshness to products.

Great for reviving worn-out bodies and tired spirits, juniper makes a balancing addition to warm baths and skincare alike.

What is juniper?

Juniper is a member of the cypress family Cupressaceae, a coniferous species of trees that are distributed right across the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are cultivated for their bark, which is distilled to produce smoky-scented cade oil. Others produce aromatic seed cones, whose fleshy scales fuse to resemble a berry. These blue-black ‘berries’ can be used as a spice or steam-distilled to make an essential oil rich in benefits.

What are the common benefits of juniper for the skin and hair?

• Peppery, woody aroma • Balancing • Grounding • Soothing

Juniper is thought to have a balancing effect on sebum levels, helping to regulate oiliness, which can be useful for spot-prone skin and greasy scalps. It is also used in meditation to encourage mental clarity and promote a calm, grounded feeling. Juniperberry oil in particular contains various chemical constituents with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, such as α-pinene and sabinene.

Did you know?

Juniper has held folkloric significance for thousands of years. Across multiple cultures, its branches were burnt and oil used to ward off evil, and juniper oil has even been found in Ancient Egyptian embalming vessels. The herb is widely used for cleansing and protection, and its berries are thought to bring prosperity. Juniper even lent its name to the popular spirit, gin. Gin is an abbreviated form of the Dutch word jenever, meaning juniper, since juniper berries are used in the liquor's production to give it its distinct flavour.