I wanted to highlight Juniper before winter is over, so here we are! The weather has been back and forth these past two weeks, as if it can’t decide if it wants to change to spring or not. Yesterday was sunny outside, and today it rained. There is a chill in the air, but pretty soon it will be too hot to harvest the Juniper around my house until Autumn comes again.

I quite enjoy Juniper, and it’s often my substitute if I run out of dried Rosemary for my Saining rituals. I always alternate drying out Rosemary and Juniper so I have one or the other on my drying rack at all times. You can read about my love for Rosemary here.

Let’s talk about Juniper’s magical uses first-

Juniper was likely one of the first magical herbs used by Mediterranean witches, as there are many folk magic remedies that include Juniper that have been passed down through the ages. It was used mainly in protection spells and was basically a witchy version of a home alarm system, since it was believed to protect against theft, many people would adorn their front doors or porch areas with it. It is commonly used in banishment magic, or in protection against dark magic.

Juniper berries were often added to love spells, rituals and potions. It was believed that they could increase “male potency”. A tincture made from Juniper berries, diluted and sprayed onto the bed might make a great love potion to help increase stamina during sexy time.

Juniper was thought to be the guardian of the dead, and that it would guard and nurture departed souls until they were ready to be reincarnated. So it was often planted atop graves for this reason.

Here are some more magical ways to use Juniper:

Practical and Medicinal uses of Juniper

Historically, Juniper was used to fight infections and plagues. During the Black Plague it was burned in closed rooms to purify the air of disease. In the time of the Spanish Flu, Juniper oil would be sprayed into the air to prevent the disease from spreading. This proved to be quite beneficial, especially when paired with Lavender and Thyme.

Juniper berries were once used as a form of birth control. They were, and still are, used to treat arthritis and to detox the urinary tract.

Juniper berries are also one of the main aromatics in Gin and used in the distillation process.

People have used Juniper for cancer, diabetes, gas, indigestion, kidney stones, wound healing, and many other conditions.

DO NOT consume Juniper or Juniper berries without consulting a Doctor first! They can have many interactions with other medications, and consuming too much can be harmful.

Here are some Juniper remedies practiced today:

One of the best things about Juniper, for me, is that it is easily found in my area. I think it’s important to use what grows in your area if you can. Not only is it more sustainably responsible, but there is something extra magical about using what is natural to your area. If you haven’t tried Juniper yet, we sell bundles in our shop, or better yet, gather your own if it’s in your backyard!