JUNIPER BERRY

(Juniperus communis; PINACEAE)

Part used:

Usually the berries; also the oil (from the berries and wood), leaves, bark.

Therapeutic action:

Diuretic, diaphoretic, aromatic, stimulant, carminative, anodyne, emmenagogue, stomachic, antiseptic.

Juniper increases the appetite, aids digestion, and increases the flow of urine (its major use). It is

a stimulating diuretic, so it is especially beneficial in eliminating passive congestion of the kidneys resulting from heart problems, and for removing waste products from the bloodstream. Juniper is a great healer to the kidneys, urinary passages, bladder. It is a counter-poison and a strengthener of the brain, memory, and optic nerve.

Medicinal uses:

Renal dropsy, vesical catarrh, sciatica, retention of urine, swollen joints, rheumatic pains, lumbago, chest problems, leucorrhea, gravel, bladder discharges, retention or uric acid, kidney problems (acute or chronic), ague, poisoning, leprosy (Hansen's disease), gonorrhea, gleet, scurvy, immunization.

For renal dropsy, avoid taking too large doses, as the stimulating effect may irritate the urinary passages; usually administered in combination with demulcent agents.

Preparation:

Decoction, elixir, fluid extract, infusion, oil, solid extract, tincture.