Juniper Berry Oil for Body and Bath

This homemade Juniper Berry Oil is a nourishing infusion that soothes muscles and enhances relaxation. It is perfect for body and bath use.

You may have come across juniper berries without realizing it. They give gin its signature piney flavor, and lately, I enjoy their benefits in aromatic juniper berry tea. But these little berries aren’t just for drinks!

Infusing them into oil creates a refreshing blend that’s perfect for massages, baths, or daily skincare. Once you discover its amazing benefits, it just might become your new favorite body oil.

What is Juniper Berry Oil

Juniper berry oil is an herbal infusion made by steeping juniper berries in a carrier oil. It absorbs the berries’ beneficial compounds, creating a fragrant, nourishing oil.

Known for its refreshing pine needle scent, juniper berry oil helps soothe muscles, improve circulation, and support healthy skin. It’s commonly used for massages, baths, and aromatherapy.

Foraging Juniper Berries for Oil

Juniper is an evergreen tree from the Cypress family with needle-like leaves and small, berries that turn blue, purple, or black when ripe. 

To make juniper berry oil, look for a Juniperus communis tree. Be sure to harvest from a tree away from polluted areas, such as roads or industrial zones, to avoid contamination.

Juniper berries ripen in late summer to fall. Wait until they’re soft and dark in color before picking them. Unripe, green berries should be left to ripen fully.

Keep in mind, not all juniper varieties are safe for making oil. Juniperus communis (common juniper) is ideal for infusions, while varieties like Juniperus sabina (savine juniper), Juniperus chinensis (Chinese juniper), and Juniperus horizontalis (creeping juniper) can be toxic and should be avoided.

Juniper Berry Infused Oil vs Juniper Berry Essential Oil

Infused oil is made by steeping juniper berries in a carrier oil, such as olive, jojoba, or almond oil.  Juniper berry essential oil, on the other hand, is steam-distilled, using berries, along with other parts of the plant like needles and twigs for distillation. This results in a much more concentrated and potent oil, known for its stronger scent and more intense therapeutic properties.

Juniper essential oil is effective for detoxifying, reducing inflammation, and cleansing. However, because it is so concentrated, it should be used with care and only in small amounts.

Benefits of Juniper Berry Oil

Juniper berry has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to ancient civilizations. While much of its use is supported by traditional practices, scientific evidence, and more research is needed.

Detoxifying and cleansing acne-prone skin

Juniper berry oil is commonly used for its detoxifying and cleansing properties. It helps purify the skin, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and balance oil production. 

Possess mildly astringent properties and acts as an antiseptic, thus making it an effective treatment for acne and eczema.  It can also help reduce inflammation and fight bacterial growth on the skin.

Soothe irritation

Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe skin irritation, reduce redness and promote wound healing.

It may also help with conditions such as eczema or minor cuts and scrapes.

Calming, reducing stress

Juniper berry oil is often used in aromatherapy to ease muscle tension and promote relaxation. When used as massage oils or in baths, it can help relieve soreness, improve circulation, and calm the body.  

Aromatherapy can also help with focus and stress reduction and induce a calming atmosphere and grounding effect, making it helpful for those experiencing anxiety or fatigue.

Other Infused oils to try

Ingredients to make organic Juniper Berry Oil

Dried Juniper Berries

Choose organic juniper berries (Juniperus communis), preferably wildcrafted or from a trusted source.

Fresh berries contain water, which can lead to mold or bacteria during infusion. I recommend buying dried berries or, if foraging, allow them to dry for at least a couple of days to remove most of the moisture.

Carrier Oil

Select a pure, organic carrier oil to infuse the berries like Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Olive Oil.

How to make Juniper Berry Body Oil

First step: Prepare the berries

Gently crush 1-2 teaspoons of dried juniper berries using a mortar and pestle.

Second Step: Infuse the Berries

Place the crushed berries in a jar and cover them with your chosen carrier oil. Seal the jar and let it sit in a warm, dark place for 1-2 weeks, shaking it gently every few days.

Third Step: Strain the Oil

Once the oil has infused, strain out the berries using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, and transfer the infused oil to a clean bottle for storage.

How to use Juniper Berry Oil

In Skin Care

• Apply a small amount of juniper berry-infused oil directly to the skin, or mix it with a cream or lotion to create an oil blend. This helps balance oil production and soothe dry or irritated skin.
• Use the infused oil as a gentle toner by diluting it with water or rose water. It can help refresh and cleanse the skin, leaving it feeling balanced.
• Blend the infused oil with a lotion or cream for a soothing massage. It relieves muscle tension and improves circulation, helping you to relax.

In Aromatherapy

• Make a refreshing body spray by adding juniper berry infused oil to water in a spray bottle. Use it for a fresh scent and invigorating aroma.
• Diffusing Juniper Berry Oil to energize your space or prior to sleep may help one feel calm and relaxed.

For Bath Soak

Add a few tablespoons of juniper berry-infused oil to your bathwater for a detoxifying soak, or add a few drops to bath salts. It will help relax the body and muscles and leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.

For Scalp Health

Gently massage the juniper oil onto your scalp to improve circulation and soothe irritation, promoting healthy hair growth.

Side Effects and Precautions 

Juniper berry-infused oil is generally safe for external use, but it’s important to do a patch test first to check for skin sensitivity. Avoid using it if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney issues. It’s for external use only and one should not ingest it. People with allergies to juniper or related plants should avoid it.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns or pre-existing health conditions.