Juniper (Also known as Juniperus Communis)
Juniper berries produce a pale yellow essence known as Juniper essential oil. Although the leaves also provide a similar fragrance only the berries are used for the essential oil. Juniper oil is used as a diuretic and antiseptic and is therefore particularly good for treating urinary tract infections, cystitis and water retention. It can also be used for skin ailments such as acne and dermatitis as well as other issues such as coughs, flatulence and rheumatism.
Juniper essential oil is used in aromatherapy though inhalation, aromatherapy baths or massage. It is refreshing and stimulating as bath oil and can promote a healthy circulation when used in massage.
Frankincense (Or Olibanum) Boswellia Thurifera
This natural essence is made from the gum of the tree which results in tear shaped blobs of hardened gum when it comes in contact with the air. Frankincense is spicy and with camphor undertones and can become somewhat lemon like when mixed with myrrh. Frankincense is a famous fragrance in Christianity where the three kings offered Frankincense to Jesus on his birth.
Frankincense has an uplifting effect and helps to increase concentration. It can also be used to treat bronchitis, coughs, colds and laryngitis. It is also known to have beneficial effects on the skin, reducing wrinkles. Frankincense can be used by inhalation, massage or an aromatherapy bath. Inhalation works particularly well for catarrh and the bath is the perfect medium for relaxing. It blends well with Myrrh, Basil or Sandalwood.
To blend essential oils you would commonly blend only two oils together at any one time unless adding a base oil such as sweet almond to apply the mixture in massage for example. To blend the essential oils appropriately there are many things to consider including the fragrance and healing properties of each individual oil and how they work together.
Cedarwood blends well with Cypress, Juniper and Rose but not all four of these essential oils should be blended together. Different blends can result in different healing and well being properties so choose your blends accordingly. Cedarwood itself is commonly used to treat skin conditions such as acne as well as respiratory conditions like bronchitis. However, Cypress is commonly used for circulatory problems and respiratory problems such as colds and flu. Therefore, we already know that Cedarwood and Cypress can be successfully mixed together without one fragrance overpowering the other but now we also know that mixing these two essential oils together will likely result in a mixture that proves effective for respiratory illnesses. We also know that Eucalyptus is a very powerful essential oil for respiratory conditions including asthma. However, we already know that Cedarwood and Eucalyptus do not make a good mix and the Eucalyptus is likely to overpower the Cedarwood and create a very pungent mixture.
