Juniper

 

Parts used - the berries

 

Common Uses

  • Relieves indigestion, heartburn and bloating.
  • Aids and stimulates digestion
  • Has antibiotic and cleansing abilities and is often recommended by herbalists to help ease urinary tract infections.
  • Acts as a diuretic
  • May help relieve sinus congestion.
  • Lotions containing Juniper may help relieve pain when rubbed on rheumatic or arthritic joints.
  • Some herbalists recommend Juniper during labor to stimulate contraction. Never take at any other time during during pregnancy.

Side Effects Prolonged use or over use of Juniper can cause kidney damage. Do not take preparations containing Juniper for more than six weeks at a time.

No interactions with other drugs are known at this time.

 

Safety Issues Do not use Juniper if you are pregnant as it may stimulate uterine contractions and cause miscarriage.
Do not use Juniper if you have have inflammation of the kidneys or any form of kidney disease.

 

History of Juniper This aromatic evergreen has been used for medicinal purposes since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs  In fact several recipes, written on papyrus, and dating from 1550 B.C. still exist today.;

 

Throughout the ages Juniper has also played a vital role in the ritual cleansing and purification rites in temples.
In Europe it was a popular cure-all. Herbalists used it to treat a wide variety of complaints from typhoid and cholera to tapeworms.

 

Juniper is perhaps most famous for the distinctive spicy-sweet flavor that it adds to gin. This was all due to an error made by a Dutch pharmacist who, in attempting to make a diuretic, created gin. The word 'gin' comes from the Dutch word for Juniper which is 'geniver'.


Disclaimer: The information presented is for information purposes only. It is based on scientific studies or traditional usage. Consult a health care professional before using supplements or making any changes in prescribed medications. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease