Juniper is an evergreen tree native to Europe and western Asia. The tree's berries are well known for giving the alcoholic beverage gin its signature flavor. The name comes from genièvre, the French word for juniper. The unripe berries are used medicinally to treat a variety of health disorders. Always consult your physician before using any alternative remedy such as juniper berry herb.
Antimicrobial Effects
Juniper berry oil fights harmful pathogens, according to a 2003 study by researchers at Medical University of Gdansk in Poland. Researchers found that the essential oil of the herb fights bacteria and fungus. Further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism of action, according to the study's report.
Diuretic
The most recognized function of juniper berry is its medicinal use as a diuretic. Its essential oil, terpinen-4-ol, increases the flushing of the kidneys. The herb is used concurrently with other kidney supportive herbs, such as dandelion and parsley, in diuretic herbal formulas. The juniper herb may also help rid kidneys of harmful pathogens to treat kidney infections, according to NYU Langone Medical Center.
Treat Sore Muscles
The active ingredients in juniper may relieve muscle pain. Adding the herb's essential oil to a bath of warm water or combining the oil with a carrier, such as almond oil, and applying it to sore muscles as an analgesic, alleviates pain and inflammation.
Protects Liver Cells
Juniper berry oil protects liver cells, according to a 1998 study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In a laboratory study, the researchers found that feeding rats juniper berry oil improved injured areas of the rodents' liver by supporting the organ's natural cleansing function. The herb's antioxidant activity is the mechanism of action.
References
- Epicentre: Encyclopedia of Spices: Juniper
- Phytotherapy Research: Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Juniper Berry Oil and Its Selected Components; Filipowicz N, et al; 2003
- Drugs.com: Juniper
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Juniper
- The Herb Companion: Juniper; Betsy Strauch; February/March 1996
- Hepatology: Dietary Juniper Berry Oil Minimizes Hepatic Reperfusion Injury in the Rat; Jones SM, et al; 1998
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