Amazing health benefits of Juniper Berries

As one of the plants for the urinary system, health benefits of juniper berries lie in its diuretic and expectorant properties.

Those who lived in the first century A.D such as Dioscorides already knew the medicinal effects of juniper fruits which have more applications than just the aroma they give to certain alcoholic beverages.

The juniper tress or shrub is an evergreen shrub of the Cupresaceae family. It grows from 1 to 3 m in height. It also has short and sharp pointed leaves. The fruit are small balls, black or blue in color with amazing flavor.

The part of the plant used for medicinal purposes are the fruits (juniper berries). The juniper berries affect mostly the kidneys and stomach.

Properties of Juniper Berries

In effect, with regards to health benefits of juniper berries the following are the properties of juniper berries. They are:

1. Aromatic
2. Astringent
3. Diuretic
4. Antispasmodic
5. Anodyne
6. Carminative
7. Lithrotriptic
8. Stimulant

Apart from the fruits of juniper plant, the whole plant, especially the leaves contain an essential oil that is quite rich in terpenic substances. Terpenic substances found in the leaves give the following properties

1. Diuretic: According to researches, the essential oil in juniper brings about increase in glomerules strain on kidneys, thereby increasing urine production.

However, continuous intake of the high doses of this plant induce the straining capabilities of kidneys. As it is, it can produce nephritis.

In essence, the juniper is highly recommended for edema caused by coronary insufficiency, and also as a deputative substance to combat and eliminate excess uric acid. These are some of the health benefits of juniper berries.

2. Expectorant and bronchial antiseptic: It is known that the part of the essence is eliminated through the lung airways, the berries have been used as a complementary treatment of certain kinds of lungs and bronchial diseases as well as tuberculosis.

Health Benefits of Juniper Berries

As a plant for the urinary system, internally, juniper berries work or act as a stimulating diuretic and quite beneficial in treating urine retention,  gravel, catarrh of the bladder and pains in the lower back.

Another one among the health benefits of juniper berries is that it is good for bladder discharges and uric acid build-up. Usually, it is taken internally by consuming the berries or preparing a tea from them.

The normal dose is 1 – 3 drops of oil, plus honey and it should be taken 2 times a day.

It is important to know that berries eliminate excess water while the tea is a good douche for vaginally infections.

In essence, it is good in the treatment of asthma, prostate disorders and fluid retention.

Being used for diabetes, cystitis, allergies, arthritis, bedwetting, hay fever, lumbago, bladder disease and nephritis are some of the health benefits of juniper berries.

Juniper berries are used for gastrointestinal infections and cramps, gonorrhea, leukkorrhea, gouty and rheumatic pains. As an excellent digestive tonic, it also helps in cases of reduced production of stomach acid and in regulating blood sugar levels.

It can be used as spice, because berries are used to enhance flavor, counteract flatulence and stimulate appetite. As it is, they can be made into a jam or syrup as an appetizer. However, a few dried berries can be chewed and it tastes good too.

External Uses of Juniper Berries

Externally, Juniper oil which is derived from the berries is capable of penetrating the skin easily and quite good for bone and joint problems.

It can be inhaled in a vapour bath. This is because it is useful for bronchitis and infection in the lungs. They can be boiled and spread across in the room where sick persons have been, so as to disinfect it.

Preparation and Uses

Preparation

Infusion: 5 – 15 minutes

Take 3 oz. 1-3 times daily

Decoction: Simmer 5 – 15 minutes

Take 1 – 2 cups daily.

Tincture: Take 5 – 20 drops 3 times daily

Fluid extract:

Take ½ – 1 teaspoon 3 times daily

Oil: Take 1-3 drops 2 times daily

Powder: Take up to 10 #0 capsules daily.

1. Internally, they can be taken whole as if they were pills, 6 after each meal, 3 times daily
2. Infusion with 30 grams of berries per liter of water. Drink 3 cups daily
3. Essence: it is recommended to take 2 drops, 3 times daily.

Warning

Large doses of juniper berries can be irritating to the kidneys and urinary passages. Another thing is, it may interfere with the absorption of minerals and iron.

Juniper berries should not be used during pregnancy and should not be used for a lengthy period of time, especially those with urinary tract or certain inflammatory diseases. Large pure oil placed on the skin can cause blisters and inflammation.

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