Juniperus communis
Part Used: Dried mature fruit ("berry")
Juniper (Juniperus communis) is a small evergreen shrub, 4 to 6 feet high, widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The principal constituents found in Juniper are the volatile oil, with resin, sugar, gum, water, lignin, wax and salines. It has primarily diuretic, anti-microbial, carminative, anti-rheumatic, tonic, antiseptic, and stomachic properties. Oil of Juniper is given as a diuretic, stomachic, and carminative in indigestion, flatulence, and diseases of the kidney and bladder. Juniper are commonly used in herbal medicine, as a household remedy, and also in some commercial preparations. They are especially useful in the treatment of digestive disorders plus kidney and bladder problems.
The fully ripe fruits of Juniper are strongly antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, strongly diuretic, rubefacient, stomachic and tonic. They are used in the treatment of cystitis, digestive problems, chronic arthritis, gout and rheumatic conditions. Juniper berries make an excellent antiseptic in conditions such as cystitis. The essential oil present is quite stimulating to the kidney nephrons and so this herb should be avoided in kidney disease. The bitter action aids digestion and eases flatulent colic. It is used in rheumatism and arthritis. Externally, it eases pain in the joints or muscles Although the fruit of this plant is quite often used medicinally and as a flavouring in various foods and drinks, large doses of the fruit can cause renal damage. Juniper should not be used internally in any quantities by pregnant women.
Juniper is a useful remedy for gastric conditions resulting from an underproduction of hydrochloric acid and is also of benefit in gastrointestinal infections, inflammations and cramps. The bitter action aids digestion and relieves flatulent colic. Juniper is often used in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and gout, and other arthritic conditions associated with the accumulation of acid waste. Here, it promotes the excretion of uric acid at the kidney. Applied externally, the diluted essential oil penetrates the skin to help relieve joint and muscle pain and neuralgia.
References:
Plants for a Future. http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Juniperus+communis&CAN=COMIND
Holistic Online. http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h254.htm
Botanical.Com. http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/j/junipe11.html
