Juniper Berries, Use With Care
19 Nov 2008
I learned something that I didn’t know before…or it had been lost somewhere in the storehouse of herbal knowledge I’ve acquired, and that is that Juniper Berries, though available as a single herb, are best used in an herbal combination.
It’s the little berries from the juniper plant that you see pictured that are used. The bush is an evergreen that grows in various places throughout the northern hemisphere…somewhere I have a picture Paul took of me with a Juniper Berry bush either in Maine or Colorado, I’ll have to find it to share with your.
The botanical name for the plant is Juniperus communnis. You’ll find this herb in combinations for the digestive and the urinary system. I use an herbal combination called JP-X, a combination formulated by the late and great herbalist, Dr. Christopher. As with many herbs, it is the oil in the juniper berry that contains the actives that have been attributed with benefiting kidney health, prostate health, and blood purification. It also is said to be antiseptic to the gastrointestinal system. The German Commission E recommended the herb for the treatment of indigestion.
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2 Responses
2009 Jan 05
I am interested in the Juniper bush, to make certain identification and possibly use the berries or other parts. Hitherto healthy, now at 53 find I am diagnosed with early onset osteo arthritis; I read that this may help but also read warnings regarding toxicity. I would be grateful for any advice
kind regards
Ann W
2009 Apr 12
Ann,
I am sorry that I have never responded to this post, but for anyone who happens to read this, and I’ll forward a response to you in case you miss this, I cannot diagnose or treat disease as I am not a doctor, but help people find the right plant, and other food sources, to best support weak areas in the body both through this blog, and another, HerBulletin, as well as at my website, http://happynutritionist.com. I would be happy to help you in any way that I can.
Claudia