Juniperus communis L.
Family: Cupressaceae.
Description: “Upright, spreading or prostrate shrub with red brown, papery bark and juvenile foliage only. Fruits are green at first, turning black with a grey bloom when ripe. H and S 2-4m. Fully hardy.” (Bown, 1995: 143)
Habitat: Throughout northern hemisphere, on both acid and calcerous soils.
Harvest: Fruits collected by shaking branches over groundsheet; used fresh for oil distillation and dried for tinctures, etc.
Parts used: Fruit.
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 1-2ml tds, Fluid Extract: 0.5-1ml tds, Dried: 5g tds.
Character: Pungent, slightly bitter-sweet, hot, dry, (Ody, 1993)
Actions:
-URINARY ANTISEPTIC,
-CARMINATIVE,
-ANTI-INFLAMMATORY,
-general stimulating tonic, (AD);
-uterine stimulant, (Ody, 1993)
Organ systems: URINARY;
Indications:
-Urinary infections;
-Arthritis and gout (by clearing uric acid from system);
-Colic, flatulence; stimulates digestion;
External usage: Essential oil used for arthritic and muscle pains and water retention.
Safety: Do not take internally for more than 6 weeks, (Ody, 1993);
Contra-indications: Kidney damage; pregnancy , however, may be taken during labour, (Ody, 1993).
Key Constituents (AD):
-Volatile oil, 1-2%, incl. thujone and sabinene;
-Tannins;
-Diterpene acids;
-Misc.; resin, vit C;
Pharmacology: Anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated in vivo, (Wren, 1988).
Toxicology: No studies found.
History: Associated with ritual cleansing, burned in temples in purification rites. Medicinally used by Ancient Egyptians; Oil regarded as cure-all for illnesses of the poor in central European folklore.
Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“A remedy to treat tapeworm; juniper berries 5 parts, white oil 5 parts is taken for one day.” From Egyptian papyrus, c.1500 BC, (Ody, 1993).
“Sip a weak infusion (15g berries to 500ml water) for stomach upsets and chills or menstrual pain.” Penelope Ody, 1993:72.
“Stimulating diuretic: indicated for renal torpidity and scanty secretion of urine in elderly. Produces renal vaso-dilation. Indications:
-Cystic catarrh, renal congestion.
-Atonic amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea from sluggish conditions.” Priest and Priest, 1983: 84.
