Juniper Berry Profile
Also known as- Juniperus communis, and Common Juniper.
Introduction
The juniper is an evergreen tree native to Europe, northern, Asia, and the northern parts of North America but especially abundant in central Texas. The purple, blue, violet, or blackish-brown fruits are harvested in early autumn for culinary and medicinal use.
Constituents
Primarily sugars, but also pinene, limonene, tannins, and antioxidant flavonoids.
Parts Used
The berries, whole, ground, or rubbed through a sieve. To prevent loss of essential oil, juniper berries should not be ground, crushed, or rubbed until just before use. The herb is frequently combined with birch leaf, horsetail, parsley "seed," or restharrow in herbal diuretic teas.
Typical Preparations
May be taken as a tea, extract or capsule, and may be liberally sprinkled on food or added to drinks and smoothies.
Summary
Juniper berries are a mild diuretic that stimulate urination without causing loss of electrolytes. Added to food, juniper berries prevent gas and heartburn.
Precautions
If you have been using juniper berry teas for several weeks and you urine smells like violets, you have been using the herb too long. Continued overdose can cause renal irritation and blood in the urine. Since juniper berries can stimulate uterine contractions, avoid use during pregnancy.
