Juniper

Juniperus communis

Common Juniper Dwarf Juniper Ground Juniper Hackmatack Hapusha Horse Savin Juniper Juniper Bark Juniper Berry Juniper Bush Kuei Melmot Berry Mountain Berry Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take Side effects and cautions Applications Collection and harvesting Stone-crushing decoction

Juniper and its volatile oil have long enjoyed a considerable reputation in folk medicine as a diuretic and as a treatment in various conditions of the kidneys and bladder. They are also recommended for their carminative action in cases of indigestion and flatulence. The berries are usually taken in the form of a tea prepared from juniper in a mixture with other medications, but for treating rheumatism, the berries themselves are eaten. The berries are also said to have a stimulating effect on the appetite; this may account for their incorporation as a flavoring agent in such dishes as sauerkraut. Over 105 constituents have been found in the essential oil, seventy-seven of which have been identified. Extracting the berries with 70 percent alcohol yields a volatile oil-rich preparation, technically called a "spirit," which is suggested for either external or internal use in these conditions.

The diuretic action of juniper results from its contained volatile oil and, specifically, the constituent designated terpinen-4-ol (1.37 percent of -the oil by weight), which increases the glomerular filtration rate in the kidneys. However, excessive doses of the medication may produce kidney irritation, and in the case of persons already suffering from kidney disease, this can result from even normal therapeutic doses. Juniper and its preparations must not be used by expectant mothers since they not only increase intestinal movements but also stimulate contraction of the uterus. The concentration of juniper oil in commercial alcoholic beverages is quite small, not exceeding 0.006 percent, so imbibers should not expect therapeutic responses when these are consumed (at least in reasonable amounts).

Because it acts as a diuretic by causing local irritation of the kidneys-and because this action is liable to be detrimental when those organs are already inflamed-and because juniper is hazardous for use by pregnant mothers, this medication is no longer recommended for various kidney disorders by the medical profession. Juniper berries could adversely influence glucose levels in diabetics. In European phytomedicine, use is limited to only one month, unless under a physician's supervision. Safer and much more effective medications certainly exist, but juniper continues to be used in folk medicine, particularly for its diuretic properties. In fact, a recent comprehensive review has challenged the assertion that juniper berries and their contained oil are nephrotoxic in therapeutic doses. Such effects may be due to products adulterated with turpentine oil. Additional research on this ancient herbal remedy is certainly warranted.

PARTS USED

Fruit, essential oil, cade oil.

USES

Juniper is tonic, diuretic, and strongly antiseptic within the urinary tract. Juniper is a valuable remedy for cystitis, and helps to relieve fluid retention but should be avoided incases of kidney disease. In the digestive system, juniper is warming and settling, easing colic and supporting the function of the stomach. Taken internally or applied externally, juniper is helpful for chronic arthritis, gout, and rheumatic conditions. Applied externally as a diluted essential oil, juniper has a slightly warming effect on the skin and is thought to promote the removal of waste products from underlying tissues. Juniper also stimulates menstruation and increases menstrual flow.
Other medical uses - Viral infection.
Culinary uses - Crushed juniper berries, either fresh or dried, are excellent in marinades and conserves to serve with cold meats. Their aromatic, resinous flavor adds gusto to wild game, beef, pork, goose, pickled fish, casseroles, stuffing, pate, gravies, and hearty vegetable dishes such as sauerkraut.
Grind dried berries in a pepper mill and use as an alternative to pepper. Add to recipes that you customarily season with marjoram, rosemary, garlic, or other aromatic herbs, but use sparingly, as the flavor is strong.
Bum juniper wood to flavor and cure smoked meat and fish.
Juniper berries are used commercially to flavor gin and various liqueurs.
Craft uses - Use the berries and roots to make brown and purple dyes.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Juniper is found in Europe, southwestern Asia up to the Himalayas, and North America, where it grows from southern coastal sites to more northerly moorland and mountainous regions. The fruit (berries) is gathered when ripe in autumn.
Junipers grow naturally on dry, rocky soil. For a taller shrub, plant in rich, well-drained soil. Tolerated pH range is 4.5 to 7.5.
Does best in an open, sunny location.
While it is possible to grow juniper from seed sown in the fall, the seeds take a long time to germinate. It's easier to propagate juniper from cuttings, which should be planted in spring or fall.
Trim plants as needed to prevent them from becoming scraggly. Be careful not to cut into the old wood.
Susceptible to insect pests such as bagworms, aphids, and scale, and to fungus diseases such as rust and Phomopsis blight.

CONSTITUENTS

Juniper contains 1 - 2% volatile oil, consisting of more than 60 compounds that include myrcene, sabinene, alpha- and beta-pinene, and cineole. Juniper also contains tannins, diterpenes, sugars, resin, and vitamin C.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

To make a tea, 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water is added to 1 tablespoon of juniper berries and allowed to steep for twenty minutes in a tightly covered container. One cup can be drunk each morning and night. Juniper is often combined with other diuretic and antimicrobial herbs. As a capsule or tablet, 1-2 grams can be taken three times per day, or 1-2 ml of tincture can be taken three times per day.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

Some juniper species produce berries that are unsuitable for culinary use. Widely planted ornamental evergreen yew trees and shrubs (of the genus Taxus), which can be mistaken for juniper, produce berries with seeds that can be deadly poisonous. While junipers are extremely common, if you aren't certain of the plant's identity, don't eat the berries.
Don't use juniper oil to flavor food, as the oil of some juniper species is extremely poisonous.
As potential side effects from self-medicating with juniper are dangerous, you should not use this herb as medicine.
Juniper acts as a diuretic (stimulates urination) and has often been used as a herbal remedy for premenstrual syndrome; however, this use is not recommended as it may cause kidney and bladder irritation.
Because of its diuretic effects, you should not eat juniper if you suffer from kidney disease. If you are diabetic, you should be aware that eating juniper berries can raise your glucose level.
If you are pregnant, you should not eat juniper, as it may cause uterine contractions, and in rare cases, can result in abortion.
Some people may experience contact dermatitis after handling juniper.
Wear gloves when harvesting juniper because the leaves are quite prickly.

APPLICATIONS

BERRIES:

INFUSION - Sip a weak infusion (15 g berries to 500 ml water) for stomach upsets and chills or menstrual pain.

TINCTURE - Take 2 ml, three times a day, for urinary infections, such as cystitis, or to stimulate digestion.

ESSENTIAL OIL:

LOTION - Add 5 drops of oil to 50 ml equal parts rosewater and witch hazel for oily skin and acne.

CHEST RUB - Dilute 10 drops juniper oil and 10 drops thyme oil in 20 ml almond oil, and rub into the chest for stubborn coughs.

OIL - Add 5 drops to bath water for arthritic, gout, or muscle pains.

MASSAGE OIL - Dilute 10 drops juniper oil in 5 ml almond oil, and massage into arthritic joints.

CADE OIL:

OINTMENT - Add 10 drops to 20 ml melted ointment base. Allow to cool, and apply to chronic, scaling eczema or psoriasis.

HAIR RINSE - For psoriasis affecting the scalp, add 10 drops to 500 ml hot water and mix well. Leave on the hair for at least 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

COLLECTION AND HARVESTING

Pick juniper berries when they are completely ripe, usually towards the end of summer.
Spread the berries out thinly on a tray and dry in the sun, or in an airy, shady location. When the berries are dry and shriveled, store them in an airtight container.
For maximum flavor, use dried berries within a year of harvesting.

STONE-CRUSHING DECOCTION

• 1 T (15 g) juniper berries
• 2 t (10 g) marshmallow root
• 2 t (10 g) parsley root
• 2 T (5 g) horsetail leaves
• 1 t (5 g) angelica seeds
• 4 cups (1 liter) water

Boil all the plants in the water for 7 minutes. Infuse 30 minutes and strain. Drink all the liquid in 3 servings, before meals, and extend the cure from 7 to 21 days to pass kidney stones, and to relieve all types of water retention and rheumatism.