Juniper
Updated Mar. 02nd, 2022
Juniper shrubs produce berries that are the principal flavouring agent in gin. Unfortunately there aren’t enough of the medicinally active oils in gin to make it a form of supplementation. The most well known use for juniper is as a treatment for bladder infection. Juniper is a diuretic and antiseptic in the urinary tract. These properties are due to the volatile oils found in the berries. Juniper is also used relieve chronic arthritis and gout.
It contains bitter substances that cause the release of saliva and digestive juices when it is tasted. This makes it useful for indigestion and lack of appetite. Juniper may also be recommended by natural health practitioners for prostate disorders or swelling in the lower legs.
Juniper berries can be used as raw berries, dried berries, encapsulated berries, tincture or tea. Fresh berries must be harvested in the second year to get high amounts of medicinal activity. Much of the essential oil content of the berries is lost during drying so fresh berries or liquid preparations are usually the most potent forms of this herb. Juniper can be found as a component of formulas for urinary infections, arthritis and prostate disorders. If juniper is used as a digestive aid then forms other than encapsulated berries should be used so that the herb is tasted.
There are possible interactions between juniper and diuretics or hypoglycemic medication. Juniper inhibits the absorption of minerals like iron and supplementation is advisable if you use juniper for long periods of time. Pregnant women and people with kidney disease should not use juniper.
This article was very interesting. I never knew you could eat Juniper berries. I always thought they were poisonous because when I went to high school, we had a Juniper Bush right in front of the building and we were told not to eat the berries because they were poisonous. So, of course, I've never tasted one. The article doesn't describe the taste, too bad. It's good to know of another alternative medicinal plant for bladder infections and digestive aid… Extra bonus! It says it should be eaten FRESH as a digestive aid, that's kind of why I wanted to know about the taste. The article doesn't mention essential oils. I diffuse Juniper berry oil with other oils in my diffuser. It smells absolutely delicious! It would be nice if these benefits were also listed in the article. Thanks for the information!
Hello Kalyani,
Juniper has many benefits, UTI is one thing it supports and it can be taken in tincture form, Preferred Nutrition makes a great UTI drops supplement for prevention and support. As for taste, Juniper is the flavouring used in gin, it's an herbaceous, yet floral kind of taste, similar to lavender.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/uti-e-drops-60ml.html
Stay healthy & well!
Glad to finally be discovering juniper berries! I was doing some research on UTI's and came across this. I had no idea that juniper berries were beneficial for UTI's, I'm on a desperate attempt to solve mine without use of antibiotics but so far have not been that successful with just cranberry supplements. Hope to add these into the mix for better results and a quick recovery. Crossing fingers! Also thanks for the heads up on the iron deficiency with prolonged use, good to know!
Hello,
We love to hear how our articles are helping you! Juniper berries may help UTIs, which is a surprise to many. Some of our customers like this product:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/uti-e-drops-60ml.html
Have a healthy day!