Scent Almanac
Juniper Berry
Juniperus communis
Fresh, peppery and resinous with a clean, faintly fruity edge — unmistakably gin-like.
- Made from
- Steam-distilled from the crushed ripe berries of common juniper (cheaper 'juniper' oils may be distilled from twigs and needles instead).
- Strength
- ●●●○○
- Cost
- Moderate
- Moods
- RefreshingCleanEnergizing
- Seasons
- Winter, Autumn
- Rooms
- Bathroom, Entryway, Kitchen
Cautions
- Oxidizes with age — old oil is more likely to sensitize; store cool and dark
- Caution around pets (especially cats and birds) — don't diffuse in their space
Oxidizes with age like other conifer oils, so store cool and dark. Keep diffusing away from cats.
How it behaves
CandlesGood
Throw is moderate; it works best as a bright accent in wood or citrus blends.
Wax meltsGood
Reed diffuserGreat
Room & linen sprayGreat
Electric (water) diffuserGreat
Cold-process soapGood
Soap-friendly, but the crisp top fades during cure; cedarwood or vetiver helps it stay.
Melt-and-pour soapGood
Laundry & cleaningGood
Pairs well with
Cypress
Middle · Woody
Essential oil
Grapefruit
Top · Citrus
Essential oil
Lime
Top · Citrus
Essential oil
Fir Needle
Middle · Woody
Essential oil
Virginian Cedarwood
Base · Woody
Essential oil
Black Pepper
Top · Spicy
Essential oil
Bergamot
Top · Citrus
Essential oil
Rosemary
Middle · Herbal
Essential oil
Lavender
Middle · Floral
Essential oil
Cranberry
Top · Fruity
Fragrance oil
Don't have it? Try Cypress, Pine.
In these blends
A little lore
Juniper berries give gin its defining flavor, and the word 'gin' comes from the Dutch 'jenever,' meaning juniper.