Herb spotlight: juniper properties, uses, and lore
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Juniper was one of the earliest incenses used by Mediterranean witches, like the Strega. Hang a sprig of juniper by your door prevents evil spirits and persons from entering. Burn juniper in exorcisms. Wear a sprig of juniper to protect yourself from accidents and wild animal attacks.
Juniper also protects against ghosts and sickness.
Juniper is common in love mixtures. Juniper berries are thought to increase male potency (although see contraindications, as it should not be used by those who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant)
Juniper wood is often used in crafting hunting bows by Indigenous populations, particularly those in the Great Basin region.
Carry or burn juniper to increase your psychic abilities and break hexes. Juniper also drives off snakes.
Juniper is a popular plant for training bonsai. It should be cultivated and grown with caution, though, as its pollen particles are exceptionally airborne and may cause contact dermatitis and be inhaled, especially in drier climates.
Love it or hate it, juniper is also the primary flavor component in gin.
Other names
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Latin: Juniperus communis
- Folk names: Enebro, Geneva, Gin Berry or Gin Plant, Ginepro, Gemeiner Wacholder (German)
Correspondences
- Planet: Sun
- Element: Fire
Magical properties:
- Protection
- anti-theft
- love
- exorcism
- health
Magical and delicious pairings with juniper
- other woodsy essential oils like pine, cypress, or copal
- garlic
- rosemary
- black pepper
- rhubarb
- coriander
- basil
- cinnamon
- anise or licorice
Jen & Tonic products containing juniper:
- Yule collection
Favorite recipe using juniper:
There are many Scandinavian recipes that call for juniper as a rub for meat before cooking it. Juniper imparts a bold, gin-like flavor to any dish. I'll try to post a recipe here on the recipes section of the blog soon! If you want to know my personal favorite gin and tonic pairing, it is Guild Gin and elderflower Fever Tree tonic water. The chamomile-forward flavors in the gin work really well with the gentle floral notes in the tonic water.
Now, go forth and create some beautiful magic!