Juniper

Nature holds elements whose properties are highly beneficial to the body. As such, juniper is widely used in aromatherapy, acting directly on the balance of the nervous system, known for its toning and energizing properties and helping to counter dietary excess. It is also an excellent antiseptic, a diuretic and a depurative that helps cleanse the kidneys and the digestive system. Yet beyond its health benefits, juniper is also highly valued for its scent. As such, it is an ingredient used in perfumery.

The origins of juniper

Juniper belongs to the Cupressaceae family and is native to Europe. It is a small shrub with spiny leaves, producing round fruit whose color lies somewhere between blue and black. The juniper tree is also called Péteron or Petrot. In Tibet, it is widely used in ceremonies during which its wood is burned. The Egyptians, for their part, used it very early on to fight infections. Moreover, numerous writings dating back to the Roman Empire also describe the antiseptic virtues of this plant. The Greeks regarded it as a sacred wood, which they offered to the deities of the underworld. They likewise burned its wood in order to fight epidemics. As such, juniper was widely used in Germany in 1856 to combat a cholera outbreak, and in France in 1870, against smallpox. Today, beyond being a well-known plant, juniper is also a spirit made from eau de vie. This is, of course, flavored with juniper berries and delights epicurean consumers. The earliest written record of juniper as a spirit dates back to the 17th century. Today, these spirits are produced in Germany, Belgium, France and the Netherlands.

Juniper in perfumery

Beyond its wood, juniper is also highly sought after for its blackish berries. These reveal peppery, woody and slightly resinous facets. Also used in cooking and in the making of gin, juniper is highly sought after by perfumers. Its small berries are steam-distilled in order to extract an absolute. Likewise, juniper branches are also used in perfumery for their aromatic facets. Juniper thus lends fragrances a spicy character, at once refined and distinctive.

Used in numerous fragrances, juniper notably features in the famous 1 Million Cologne by Paco Rabanne, refreshing the scent of its predecessor while preserving its bold character. It is also part of the composition of Amen Pure Shot by Thierry Mugler, Avant Garde by Lanvin and Azur Lime by Tom Ford.