Juniper Berry Profile

Also known as- Juniperus communis, and Common Juniper.

Introduction

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.

Constituents

Primarily sugars, but also pinene, limonene, tannins, and antioxidant flavonoids.

Parts Used

The berries, whole, ground, or rubbed through a sieve. To prevent loss of essential oil, juniper berries should not be ground, crushed, or rubbed until just before use. The herb is frequently combined with birch leaf, horsetail, parsley "seed," or restharrow in herbal diuretic teas.

Typical Preparations

May be taken as a tea, extract or capsule, and may be liberally sprinkled on food or added to drinks and smoothies.

Summary

Juniper berries are a mild diuretic that stimulate urination without causing loss of electrolytes. Added to food, juniper berries prevent gas and heartburn.

Precautions

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. Since juniper berries can stimulate uterine contractions, avoid use during pregnancy.

 

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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