Description

Savin oil is extracted from Juniperus sabina (also known as Sabina cacumina) of the Coniferae (Cupressaceae) family and is also known as savine.

Oil properties

The odor of savin oil is very unpleasant and the taste, bitter and repulsive

Origin of Savin oil

It is a compact evergreen shrub about 1 meter (3 feet) high which tends to spread horizontally and has pale green bark, small dark green leaves and purplish-black berries containing three seeds.

It is a native to North America, the middle and southern Europe.

Savin was once used in an ointment or dressing for blisters, for syphilitic warts and other skin problems, but is an irritant when used internally or locally.

It is a powerful emmenagogue, and serious and fatal cases of poisoning have resulted when attempted to use as an abortifacient.

Savin oil is considered too poisonous to use as it contains podophyllotoxin that destroys cells and has resulted in fatalities.

The oil is banned from sale to the public in many countries due to its toxic effects.

Extraction

Savin oil is extracted from the twigs and leaves by steam distillation.

Chemical composition

The main chemical components are sabinyl acetate, sabinene, a-pinene, limonene, terpinene-4-ol and a-cadinene.

Precautions

Savin oil should not be used in aromatherapy as it is toxic.