Common Name: |
Juniper Berry |
Other Names: |
Common Juniper, Enebro, Ginepro, Juniper |
Botanical Name: |
Juniperus communis |
Genus: |
Juniperus |
Family: |
Cupressaceae |
Native Location: |
Northern Hemisphere, North America, Northern Europe, Siberia, Southwest Asia |
Cultivation: |
Moist soils in sun or light shade. Tolerates acid and alkaline conditions, dry and wet soils, and exposed positions. Plants may be damaged by various pests and diseases. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown when ripe; by ripewood cuttings in early autumn. Germination may take up to 5 years. |
Harvest: |
Fruits are gathered by shaking branches over a groundsheet; they are used fresh for oil distillation, or dried for infusions, liquid extracts, tablets, and tinctures. |
Height: |
0.5-6m (18in-20ft), occasionally 12m (40ft) |
Width: |
1-6m (3-20ft) |
Variations: |
Depressa Is prostrate, with upturned shoot tips and leaves with very narrow white bands. Native Location: North America Height: 60cm (2ft) Width: 1.5m (5ft) |
Hardiness: |
Z2-8 |
Parts Used: |
Fruit ("berries"), oil. |
Direction: |
South |
Magical Purpose: |
Balefire |
Deities: |
Inanna, Ishtar |
Planet: |
Sun |
Element: |
Fire |
Magical Effects: |
Protection, Purification, Healing |
Extraction: |
Steam distillation |
Color and Odor: |
The essential oil is colorless and has a fresh, pleasing aroma. |
Background: |
Known by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks and used to combat epidemics. Around the time of the First World War, French hospitals used juniper in the sick wards as incense to combat diseases such as smallpox. Juniper berries are used in making gin. |
Magical Influences: |
Magical energy, Physical energy, Sex, Love, Money, Courage. |
Properties: |
A bitter, aromatic herb that is antiseptic and diuretic, improves digestion, stimulates the uterus, and also reduces inflammation. Antiseptic, Antirheumatic, depurative, diuretic, detoxifying, emmenagogic, purifying, rubefacient, stimulant, tonic. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for cystitis, urethritis, kidney inflammation, rheumatism, gout, arthritis, and poor digestion with gas and colic. Externally for rheumatic pain and neuralgia. Combines well with Aphanes arvensis (See, marshmallow) or Zea mays (See, corn). Contraindicated during pregnancy and in kidney disease or kidney infection. To treat digestive problems, gout, arteriosclerosis, halitosis, and menstrual pain; to regulate menstruation. Germany's Commission E has approved the use of juniper to treat dyspeptic complaints, such as heartburn and bloating. |
Typical Dose: |
A typical daily dose of juniper may range from 2 to 10 gm of the dried berry or 20 to 100 mg of the essential oil. |
Possible Side Effects: |
Juniper's side effects include kidney irritation. Topically, juniper can cause eye and skin irritation. |
Drug Interactions: |
Taking juniper with these drugs may cause or worsen kidney damage: |
Etodolac, (Lodine, Utradol) |
Ibuprofen, (Advil, Motrin) |
Indomethacin, (Indocin, Novo-Methacin) |
Ketoprofen, (Orudis, Rhodis) |
Ketorolac, (Acular, Toradol) |
Meloxicam, (MOBIC, Mobicox) |
Methotrexate, (Rheumatrex, Trexall) |
Miglitol, (Glyset) |
Morphine Hydrochloride, (Morphine Hydrochloride) |
Morphine Sulfate, (Kadian, MS Contin) |
Naproxen, (Aleve, Naprosyn) |
Nitrofurantoin, (Furadantin, Macrobid) |
Ofloxacin, (Floxin, Ocuflox) |
Penicillin, (Pfizerpen, Wycillin) |
Piroxicam, (Feldene, Nu-Pirox) |
Propoxyphene, (Darvon, Darvon-N) |
Rifampin, (Rifadin, Rimactane) |
Stavudine, (Zerit) |
Sucralfate, (Carafate, Sulcrate) |
Valacyclovir, (Valtrex) |
Vancomycin, (Vancocin) |
Zidovudine, (Novo-AZT, Retrovir) |
Taking juniper with these drugs may interfere with the effects of the drug and increase the risk of hyperglycemia (excessively high blood sugar): |
Insulin, (Humulin, Novolin R) |
Metformin, (Glucophage, Riomet) |
Miglitol, (Glyset) |
Pioglitazone, (Actos) |
Repaglinide, (GlucoNorm, Prandin) |
Rosiglitazone, (Avandia) |
Taking juniper with this drug may be harmful: |
Lithium, (Eskalith, Carbolith)may increase the risk of drug toxicity. |
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Lab Test Alterations: |
May confound results of diagnostic urine tests that rely on color change, as large amounts of juniper berry can turn the urine purple. |
Disease Effects: |
- May worsen inflammatory or infectious gastrointestinal ailments by irritating the gastrointestinal tract.
- May worsen seizure disorders.
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Culinary Uses: |
Juniper berries are used to flavor pickling brine, sauerkraut, stuffings, pâtés, game, ham, and pork. |
Economic Uses: |
Juniper extracts and oil are used to flavor gin, beers (genevrette), liqueurs (ginepro), and meat products. Oil is also used in spicy fragrances. |
Warning: |
Junipers may cause skin irritation and allergic responses. |
Uses: |
- Digestive SytemUseful for indigestion, minor stomach upsets, flatulence and colic.
- Urinary SystemJuniper is a strong antiseptic and diuretic for treating cystitis and kidney inflammation. Good for relieving water retention.
- Respiratory SytemA respiratory tract antiseptic, juniper is also good for convulsive coughs.
- Skeletal SystemArthritic and joint problems, such as gout will benefit from juniper.
- SkinGood for disorders of the skin. Cleansing and toning, juniper is especially useful for treating oily skin and acne. Detoxifying for cellulite.
- EmotionsUseful for treating sleep difficulties due to worry and tension. Juniper strengthens anyone feeling emotionally drained. It is particularly good for cleansing the mind of negative vibes accumulated from others. It revitalizes people who are cold and aloof and feel as though they are misunderstood and unsupported.
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Blends: |
Bibliography: |
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2005. Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 247-248 Aromatherapy Blends and Remedies by Franzesca Watson Copyright ©: 1995 Thorsons, Harper Collins Publishers, Inc. pp.116-117 Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham Copyright © 1989 Llewellyn Publications Inc. pp. 101-102 Wicca, Guide to the Solitary Practioner by Scott Cunningham Copyright © 1988 Llewellyn Publications, Inc. pp. 159-168 The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.290-291 |
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