Botanical name:
Juniperus
communis
Parts used and where
grown
Juniper, an evergreen tree, grows mainly
in the plains regions of Europe as well as in
other parts of the world. The medicinal portions
of the plant are referred to as berries, but
they are actually dark blue-black scales from
the cones of the tree. Unlike other pine cones,
the juniper cones are fleshy and
soft.
Juniper has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health
concern for complete
information):
| Health
Concerns |
|
Edema (water retention)
Indigestion
Urinary tract
infection |
Historical or
traditional use (may or
may not be supported by scientific
studies)
Aside
from being used as the flavoring agent in gin,
juniper trees have contributed to the making of
everything from soap to perfume. Many conditions
have been treated in traditional herbal medicine
with juniper berries, including gout, warts and skin
growths, cancer, upset stomach, and various urinary tract and kidney
diseases.
Active
constituents
The
volatile oils, particularly terpinen-4-ol, may
cause an increase in urine volume. According to
some sources, juniper increases urine volume
without a loss of electrolytes such as
potassium. Juniper contains bitter substances,
at least partly accounting for its traditional
use in digestive upset and related
problems.
How much is usually
taken?
The
German Commission E monograph suggests 1/2–2
teaspoons of the dried fruit daily. To make a
tea, 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water is added to
1 teaspoon (5 grams) of juniper berries and
allowed to steep for twenty minutes in a tightly
covered container. Drink one cup (250 ml) each
morning and night. Juniper is often combined
with other diuretic and anti-microbial herbs. As
a capsule or tablet, 1–2 grams can be taken
three times per day, or 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2
ml) of tincture can be taken three times
daily.
Are there any side
effects or interactions?
Excessive applications (greater
than the amounts listed above) may cause kidney
irritation. People with either acute or chronic
inflammation of the kidneys or kidney failure
should not use juniper. Juniper should not be
taken for greater than four weeks without first
consulting a healthcare professional. One report
suggests that people with diabetes should use
juniper cautiously as it may raise glucose
levels.
Application of the volatile oil directly
to skin can cause a rash. Pregnant women should
avoid juniper until further information is
available, as it may cause uterine
contractions.
Are there
any drug interactions?
Certain
medicines may interact with
juniper.