Home :: Juniper Berry

Juniper Berry - Benefits And Side Effects

Botanical name: : Juniperus communis or species

Actions: Anodyne, antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, stimulant, stomachic

Parts used : Usually the berries, also the oil (from the berries and wood), leaves, bark.

The juniper is an evergreen tree native to Europe, northern, Asia, and the northern parts of North America but especially abundant in central Texas. The purple, blue, violet, or blackish-brown fruits are harvested in early autumn for culinary and medicinal use. Juniper berry is probably best known as the unique flavoring agent of gin, an important component of the dry martini, a popular intoxicant and a putative calmative revered by western culture for over 300 years. As a medicinal remedy, juniper has a long history of use employed as a treatment for numerous diseases by ancient Greek and Arab healers, as well as Native American Indians.

Medical uses and benefits of Juniper Berry

• Juniper Berry is considered one of the great kidney herbs.
• It has a very strong action upon the kidneys.
• Use caution in cases of extreme kidney damage.
• It is anti-inflammatory and has some antispasmodic properties.
• It has antiseptic properties, which are useful in killing fungi, bacteria and yeasts.
• Great for UTIs (urinary tract infections) and parasitic overgrowths in the GI tract.
• It is also a natural diuretic, and relieves excess water.
• Said to aid in restoring the pancreas, and beneficial in cases of diabetes, as it has natural insulin properties.
• The lye made of the ashes will cure the itch, scabs, and leprosy.

Cautions

• Protracted use of Juniper Berry can irritate and damage the kidneys.
• Since juniper berries can stimulate uterine contractions, avoid use during pregnancy.
• If you have been using juniper berry teas for several weeks and you urine smells like violets, you have been using the herb too long. Continued overdose can cause renal irritation and blood in the urine.