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Juniper

Botanical name: Juniperus communis

Photo

© Steven Foster

Parts used and where grown

Juniper, an evergreen tree, grows mainly in the plains regions of Europe as well as in other parts of the world. The medicinal portions of the plant are referred to as berries, but they are actually dark blue-black scales from the cones of the tree. Unlike other pine cones, the juniper cones are fleshy and soft.

Juniper has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings Health Concerns
1Star

Indigestion

Oedema (water retention)

Urinary tract infection
3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Aside from being used as the flavouring agent in gin, juniper trees have contributed to the making of everything from soap to perfume.1 Many conditions have been treated in traditional herbal medicine with juniper berries, including gout, warts and skin growths, cancer, upset stomach, and various urinary tract and kidney diseases.

Active constituents

The volatile oils, particularly terpinen-4-ol, may cause an increase in urine volume.2 According to some sources, juniper increases urine volume without a loss of electrolytes such as potassium.3 Juniper contains bitter substances, at least partly accounting for its traditional use in digestive upset and related problems.

How much is usually taken?

The German Commission E monograph suggests 1/2–2 teaspoons of the dried fruit daily.4 To make a tea, 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water is added to 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of juniper berries and allowed to steep for twenty minutes in a tightly covered container. Drink one cup (250 ml) each morning and night. Juniper is often combined with other diuretic and anti-microbial herbs. As a capsule or tablet, 1–2 grams can be taken three times per day, or 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2 ml) of tincture can be taken three times daily.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Excessive applications (greater than the amounts listed above) may cause kidney irritation. People with either acute or chronic inflammation of the kidneys or kidney failure should not use juniper. Juniper should not be taken for greater than four weeks without first consulting a healthcare professional. One report suggests that people with diabetes should use juniper cautiously as it may raise glucose levels.5

Application of the volatile oil directly to skin can cause a rash. Pregnant women should avoid juniper until further information is available, as it may cause uterine contractions.

Are there any drug interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with juniper. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

References

1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 256.

2. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994, 76–7.

3. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 2000, 218–20.

4. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 155–6.

5. ESCOP. Juniperi fructus. Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs. Exeter, UK: European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherpay, 1997.