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