The detoxifying craze has gotten a little out of hand. Ads regularly scream at us to detoxify our diets, homes and lifestyle. While most of these pressures tell us to remove things, juniper berry is a subtle yet powerful addition. A few drops of juniper berry on the abdomen can detoxify the body from days overeating and drinking while also having dramatic effects on the skin. Its piney and somewhat fruity aroma can nourish and restore the nervous and circulatory systems while ushering in calming relaxation. Interestingly, juniper fruit is not a berry at all but is derived from a portion of the juniper cone, which takes about three years to fully mature. Native to europe, asia and the northern hemisphere, juniper is an evergreen brush that can grow up to 25 feet in height. The male trees sprout yellow cones, while the female trees sprout green cones. There are more than 50 species of juniper and the plant can live up to 2,000 years. To capture the essential oil, the berries and twigs of the juniper plant are put through a steam distillation process. The berries were used traditionally by the zuni native americans to assist in childbirth. Both native americans and tibetans use juniper in sacred ceremonies. The essential oil wonderfully captures both the sacred and the therapeutic benefits of juniper.Botanical name: Juniperus communis origin: Russia extraction method: Steam distillation plant part: Berries/twigs note: Middle family: Cupressaceae synonym: Juniper blends well with: Cypressand other piney aromas aroma: Piney, camphorous, sweetand slightly-fruity consistency: Thin color: Clear euro droppers are not included with 100 ml bottlessafety: Follow general dilution guidelines Ò no urgent safety issues shelf life: 2 years.