Juniper is a shrub widely used in phytotherapy as a remedy for the treatment of urinary, heart and respiratory diseases. It is also a external analgesic remedybut it is necessary to be well informed of its possible toxic effects.

juniper plant

The juniper (Juniperus communis L.), very common throughout Europegrows in the beds of coniferous forests, in mountain meadows, but also in bushes and moors in warmer areas exposed to the sun. It’s a dense shrub sometimes reaching the size of a small treeup to 3 meters high, and sometimes it does not go beyond a creeping bushwhich grows close to the ground or forming bushes in the shape of a cushion or semisphere, in spaces highly subject to the effect of the wind.

The juniper plant is distinguished by its thin, needle-shaped leaveswith a single longitudinal band on its underside, a feature that allows it to be differentiated from other very similar species. The galbules or false fruitsspherical and fleshy, have a grayish blue color.

In Europe there are a dozen species of junipers and junipers, and up to 60 in the entire northern hemisphere. For medicinal purposes, the common juniper, that we discuss here, but also the each or oxycedron (Juniperus oxycedrus) and the sabina (Juniperus sabina).

Juniper properties

Of the juniper, for its medicinal use, the galbules or berries are harvestedonce mature, and also the wood.

The galbules contain essential oil with alpha-pinene, sabinene, pineol, borneol, limonene, caryophyllene, etc. In addition, they contain polyphenols, esters and bitter ingredients such as juniperine, flavonoids and tannins.

in the woodin addition to catechuic tannins, have also been isolated phytosterols and resins. It is also rich in vitamin C, vitamin B3 and mineral salts (zinc, selenium, cobalt, iron, calcium)

This composition means that the following properties are attributed to juniper:

• Diuretic and hypotensive properties
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• analgesic properties
• Antiseptic properties of the urinary tract and antibacterial properties
• Digestive and carminative properties (favors the expulsion of gases)
• Hypoglycemic properties
• Expectorant properties
• Rubefacient properties
• Topical analgesic and healing properties

What is juniper used for?

Due to its properties, juniper is attributed benefits to improve different aspects of health.

Juniper as a diuretic and purifying remedy

Remedies with juniper are used to promote the emission of urine, in the treatment of urinary conditions such as cystitis or urethritis, as well as to prevent the formation of kidney stones and edema.

It is also used as a natural support for keep blood pressure and sugar levels at bay in blood

Due to its clear purifying and detoxifying effect, it would also stimulate the elimination of uric acid and urea with urine. For all these reasons, it has been indicated in natural cures for the treatment of uric acid, drops, nephritis and fluid retention.

Juniper for digestion

Remedies with juniper have been used to stimulate appetite and to relieve heavy digestion, with nausea, gas and abdominal bloating, in traditional cures.

Juniper to breathe better

Juniper is incorporated into expectorant and antibacterial remedies to treat bronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis and mild asthmatic processes.

It has also been used to mitigate the different symptoms of respiratory allergiescaused by exposure to pollen or dust or other allergenic sources, such as rhinitis, eye inflammation, explosive sneezing, muscle pain, etc.

Juniper for pain in external use

Remedies are made with juniper to relax muscles and relieve muscle pain, muscle contracture, joint pain and neuralgia, including certain sports injuries such as sprains and bursitis.

Juniper for skin and hair

Due to its purifying and healing properties, juniper It is applied on dermatitissuch as eczema, in hives, juvenile acne, on insect bites and hives. It is also applied to fungi that affect the skin.

On the other hand, juniper is included in remedy to stimulate the scalpto strengthen the hair roots and to treat oily hair.

How to use juniper

Liqueurs and ratafías are made with juniper, but also home remedies in which it is used and taken in different ways:

• In infusion of the galbules, up to two glasses a day, as a diuretic, digestive and expectorant.
• In liquid extract.
• In tincture50 drops in three doses maximum.
• He essence oill, in drops, internally. This use should be very limited and made only under medical supervision.
• The essential oil extract in capsules.

In external use

Remedies for external use are also prepared with juniper:

• The wood decoction for topical application in washing and scrubbing.
• juniper alcoholor in friction on muscle pain and contractures.
• Juniper essential oil for inhalations in respiratory conditions. This essential oil is obtained by steam distillation. It can be purchased at most herbalists and some pharmacies.

Precautions and contraindications

Juniper essential oil is contraindicated for pregnant, breastfeeding and children under 12 years of ageorally but also in inhalations. The essential oil could have an oxytocic effect.

It is also not recommended in case of kidney, liver or heart failureor if there are neurological disorders, Parkinson’s and irritable bowel syndrome, among others.

If you continue treatment for hypertension or diabetes, Consult your doctor before taking remedies with juniper, to avoid possible decompensation.

They have been described gastric discomfort and irritation for the taking of juniper.

Essential oil should not be applied juniper directly on open wounds, sores and irritated skin.

Juniper remedies could interact with some common medicationslike the one administered to diabetic people.

juniper remedies

Diuretic and detoxifying juniper infusion

For the treatment of rheumatism, gout, high blood pressure, excess urea and fluid retention.

• Ingredients: Juniper, cattail, horsetail, orthosiphon and star anise. 20g of each.
• Preparation: We mix the different plants and separate 5 g of the mixture for each glass of water. We boil for 2 minutes and let it infuse for 10 more.
• How much to take: Up to three glasses a day.

Antiseptic juniper mouthwash

For the treatment of oral infections, stomatitis, canker sores, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis.

• Ingredients: Juniper, sage, loosestrife, mint and marshmallow galbules, about 20 g of each.
• Preparation: We mix the plants and separate a tablespoon of the mixture per cup. Boil for 3-4 minutes and let it cool slightly.
• How to apply it: It is applied as a mouthwash or gargle up to three times a day.

Analgesic juniper compresses

To relieve muscle pain, muscle contractures, neuralgia and rheumatism, topically.
Ingredients: Juniper, guaiac, ginger, passionflower, rosemary and camphor, about 20 g of each per liter of water.

• Preparation: We boil it for about 5 minutes in a liter of water and leave it for about 10 more. Covered.
• How to apply: Either you soak some compresses and apply them hot, but not excessively, to the painful area, or you apply it in the form of a partial bath, scrubbing or toning massage.

Other uses of juniper

He juniper essential oil It is a first-line resource in aromatherapy. It is also used in cosmetics, and is part of the formulation of shampoos, soaps, lotions and toothpastes.

Juniper galbules are also used, as is known, to flavor liqueurs, cocktails and spiritsbeing an essential ingredient for gin.

It is also used for season stews diverse.

By Jordi Cebrián, journalist specialized in phytotherapy