Juniper
Latin: Juniperus
Juniper
Krauterbuch,
Lonitzer, 1578
Properties & Actions
Diuretic, anti-microbial/anti-fungal, carminative, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, anti-diabetic, aperient, anti-inflammatory, anodyne, anti-spasmodic, antiviral, hypotensive.
Tissues, Organs, & Systems Affected
Kidneys, urinary system, stomach, female reproductive system, prostate, skin
Uses
Icones Plantarum Medcio-oeconomico, Vietz, 1800
"Primarily a urinary tract herb, most frequently used for cystitis and urethritis. The berries are the most effective. Use a teaspoon of crushed berries or a rounded teaspoon of the leaves, steeped in a covered cup of water for 15 minutes and drunk one to three cups a day. More effective and less irritating when combined with Uva Ursi, Manzanita, or Pipsissewa. Juniper should not be used when there is a kidney infection or chronic kidney weakness, as the oils are excreted in the urine and can be uselessly irritating to such inflammations.
The aromatic properties of all parts of Juniper plants have been used against bad magic, plague, and various negative influences in so many cultures, from the Letts to the Chinese to the Pueblo Indians, that there would seem to be some validity to considering the scent as beneficial in general to the human predicament. In any respect, the Juniper berries, dry or moistened, can be thrown on hot rocks in saunas, sweat lodges, and the like, and the dried crushed leaves can be used as an incense. The leaves are traditionally carried about in pouches and clothes, often the only protection or medicine carried by the Tewa Indian. Consumption of the berries or leaves is not recommended during pregnancy; The volatile the volatile oils can have a vasodilating effect on the uterine lining. (Michael Moore, Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West)
The aromatic properties of all parts of Juniper plants have been used against bad magic, plague, and various negative influences in so many cultures, from the Letts to the Chinese to the Pueblo Indians, that there would seem to be some validity to considering the scent as beneficial in general to the human predicament. In any respect, the Juniper berries, dry or moistened, can be thrown on hot rocks in saunas, sweat lodges, and the like, and the dried crushed leaves can be used as an incense. The leaves are traditionally carried about in pouches and clothes, often the only protection or medicine carried by the Tewa Indian. Consumption of the berries or leaves is not recommended during pregnancy; The volatile the volatile oils can have a vasodilating effect on the uterine lining. (Michael Moore, Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West)
Harvest
Collect the berries when ripe (blueish or purple). Dry in sunlight before tincturing or tea.
Cautions & Contraindications
Not recommended for use during pregnancy.
"Leaves, branches, or unripe berries all contain compounds known to irritate the urinary tract and kidneys and should not be used long term. Research published by herbalist Kerry Bone in 1995 suggests that preparations made with ripe Juniper berries may be safely used for extended periods of time as a diuretic. Adulteration is common, so harvest the berries yourself to ensure that the medicine you ingest only contains ripe berries. Caution is still advised in cases of acute kidney inflammation or for those with chronic kidney disease." (Scott Kloos, Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants)
"Leaves, branches, or unripe berries all contain compounds known to irritate the urinary tract and kidneys and should not be used long term. Research published by herbalist Kerry Bone in 1995 suggests that preparations made with ripe Juniper berries may be safely used for extended periods of time as a diuretic. Adulteration is common, so harvest the berries yourself to ensure that the medicine you ingest only contains ripe berries. Caution is still advised in cases of acute kidney inflammation or for those with chronic kidney disease." (Scott Kloos, Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants)
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