Juniper Berries
Juniperus Communis
 The top herb for the urinary system is the Juniper Berry. For best
results, the berries should be blue to purple in color, and when
chewed or squashed it should smell like gin. Many berries sold are
brown, dried-up and 'dead' and will not be either diuretic or
disinfectant.
History:
Believed to ward off the plague in ancient Europe. The American
Indians believed in Juniper's cleansing and healing powers and used
it to keep away infection, relieve arthritis and heal various wounds
and illnesses.
Therapeutic Benefits:
Increases urine flow and destroys bacteria in
the kidneys and bladder.
Juniper can prevent crystallization of uric acid in the kidney,
holding it in solution until passed in the urine. Juniper is an
excellent blood cleanser, and can tone the pancreas. Where there is
an insulin deficiency, Juniper can produce usable insulin. Juniper
can also strengthen a weak stomach and improve digestion.
The British Pharmacopoeia lists Juniper as a urinary tract
disinfectant. The volatile oils in Juniper Berries destroy
bacteria.
Juniper berries' anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for
relieving pain and inflammation related to rheumatism and arthritis.
In addition, juniper berries are beneficial in reducing congestion,
as well as treating asthma and colds.
Juniper berries help increase the flow of digestive fluids,
improving digestion and eliminating gas and stomach cramping. As a
diuretic, juniper berries eliminate excess water retention
contributing to weight loss.
Works well by itself or with other urinary tract herbs such as Uva
Ursi Leaf.
Juniper Berries can be bought in bulk in most health food stores.
The tree can be bought in any nursery; you will need both male and
female to produce berries. There is a considerable demand on the
continent for an aqueous extract of the berries called Roob,
or Rob of Juniper, and the distilled oil is in this case a by-product,
the berries being first crushed and macerated with water and then
distilled with water and the residue in the still evaporated to a
soft consistence. Much of the oil met with in commerce is obtained
as a by-product in the manufacture of gin and similar products.
In Sweden a beer is made that is regarded as a healthy drink. In hot
countries the tree yields by incision a gum or varnish.
If you are taking
lithium, do not use
juniper except under the supervision of a physician.
Juniper Berry products should be avoided
by anyone suffering from kidney disease and by pregnant women.
Juniper products are known to increase contractions of the uterus in
the case of pregnancy, consult your physician.
Sources:
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
Nutritional Herbology, by Mark Pedersen, Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1998
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania 1987
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
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