What are Juniper Berries?
Widely grown in rocky soils throughout the Northern Hemisphere, there are about 60 to 70 species belonging to the Juniper family. All these species contain berries but not all are edible.
History of the Juniper Tree
Thousands of years ago, our forefathers knew much about the juniper tree. The psalmist spoke of it as the “house or nesting place of storks” (Psalms 104:17). Its wood was used extensively in the temple built by King Solomon, “the leaves of the main doors were made of juniper wood and the floor was overlaid with it” (1Kings: 6.15,34).
The berries of the common juniper shrub (Juniperus communis) are the species that were used by the ancient herbalists of Greece and Arabia, as well as the Romans.
General Uses of Juniper Berries
Juniper berries are used to flavour foods and alcoholic beverages, particularly gin, whose name is derived from the French “genièvre” or the Dutch “jenever”, meaning juniper.
With their fragrant, spicy aroma and slightly bittersweet taste, they are often used as a seasoning in sausages and stuffing, in pickling meats, and to flavour liqueurs and bitters.
In some countries, they are even used as a balsamic incense – a handful placed on a warm stove, fills the room to mask strong, lingering cooking odours.
Medicinal Properties & Benefits of Juniper Berries
Herbalists use the berries for the following medicinal properties:
- Diuretic – promotes the flow of urine
- Stomachic – gives strength and tone to the stomach
- Antiseptic – destroys bacteria
- Carminative – relieves flatulence
Urinary System
Juniper is beneficial for the whole urinary system, including the kidney, bladder and urinary passages. It eliminates excess water by promoting the flow of urine. Its antiseptic properties are known to help in acute and chronic urinary inflammations.
Juniper berries can help treat cystitis and urethritis (inflammation of bladder and urethra) or when there is irritation of the bladder with recurrent attacks of pain and frequent urination, especially in women.
Digestive System
In herbal medicine, Juniper is also recommended in the treatment for a myriad of digestive problems. These can be used:
- to heal issues arising from an underproduction of hydrochloric acid
- to relieve flatulence and abdominal colic
- as a stomach medicine to improve digestion
- to alleviate rheumatic aches and pains.
Risks
However, users should be careful as juniper may cause irritation. It also should not be taken in cases of kidney disease and during pregnancy.
Find out more about the medicinal benefits of juniper berries and other plants through enrolling in our Online Herbal Medicine Course today!