Juniperus communis (Juniper Berries)

Botanic Name Juniperus communis L.
Common Name Juniper Berry, Common Juniper, Genevrier, Ginepro, Enebro, Germeiner Wachholder 1
Family Cupressaceae (Conferae)
Parts Used The ripe, carefully dried fruits (berries) 1
Habitat Throughout the northern hemisphere from warm to polar regions, preferring heaths, moorlands and chalk downs. 2
Constituents Volatile oil (including pinene and camphine) 2

Resin 2

Bitter principle (juniperin) 2

Antitumour agent (podophyllotoxin) 2

Flavonoids 2

Tannins 2

Invert sugar 4

Organic Acids 4

Actions Diuretic 4

Antiseptic 4

Carminative 4

Antirheumatic 4

Urinary antiseptic 2

Increasing elimination of acid metabolites 2

Stimulates uterine contractions 2

Applications Infections of urethra, bladder, and ureter (Cystitis) 2

Gouty and other arthritic conditions associated with the accumulation of acid wastes 2

Gastric conditions associated with reduced gastric secretions 2

Colic and flatulent digestive problems 2

Pain in the joints and muscles (topically) 4

Dosage MEDIUM dose herb

Dried ripe fruit: 1 – 2 gm tds 2

Combinations Althaea officinale, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi to counter irritability. 9
C/I Cautions Not to be used during pregnancy 5

Not for use exceeding four to six weeks in succession 5

Contraindicated in inflammatory kidney disease 5

Concerns with conditions involving inflammed kidneys are said to be derived from the usage of the Volatile Oil and not the whole plant extract and thus may be erroneous. [Khoury]

BHP S/I Cystitis in the absence of renal inflammation 6

 

References

  1. Grieve, M., A Modern Herbal, Tiger, Great Britain, 1994.
  2. Mills, S., The Complete Guide to Modern Herbalism, Thorsons, Great Britain, 1994.
  3. Bradley, P.R.(Ed.), British Herbal Compendium Volume I, British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992.
  4. Hoffmann, D., The New Holistic Herbal, Element, Dorset, 1990.
  5. McGuffin, M., Hobbs, C., Upton, R., Goldberg, A., American Herbal Products Association - Botanical Safety Handbook, CRC Press, 1997.
  6. British Herbal Medical Association, British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983, British Herbal Medical Association, 1989.
  7. Motram, L., Herbal Materia Medica Course Notes, 1983.
  8. Willard, T., The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal, Wild Rose College of Natural Healing Ltd, Alberta, Canada, 1991.
  9. Priest, A.W. and Priest, L.R. Herbal Medication. A Clinical and Dispensary Handbook. London: L.N. Fowler & Co. Ltd.
  10. Brockhampton Press, Guide to Herbal Remedies, Brockhampton Press, London, 1996.
  11. Lust, J., The Herb Book, Bantam Books, USA, 1974.
  12. Singh Y. N., Blumenthal, M., Kava culture, then & now, Herbs for Health, Vol 2, No 6: 56-60, 1998.
  13. McCaleb, R., Herbal Help for Prostate Problems, Herbs for Health, Spring/Summer 1996, pp 26- 28.

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