Asthma is a respiratory disorder characterized by swelling of the airways and symptoms including cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. Conventional treatment includes anti-inflammatory steroid drugs and bronchodilators. Juniper is a medicinal plant that has been used to treat asthma; however, more research is needed to confirm this benefit. If you suffer from asthma and consider taking juniper, you should first talk to your health care provider.
Folk Medicine
Rocky Mountain juniper, scientifically known as Juniperus scopulorum Sarg., was used by American Indians to manage asthma, either by eating the whole berry fresh or prepared as a tea, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Center of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Current Use
According to a study published in the 2009 issue of "Georgian Medical News," juniper possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. The researchers further explained that several plant chemicals called flavoinoids are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of this herb. Based on the anti-inflammatory effects of juniper, NaturalHerbalGuide.com recommends juniper berries to reduce congestion and ameliorate symptoms of asthma.
Juniper Homeopathic Remedy
A homeopathic preparation from Juniper communis may help ameliorate symptoms of asthma and chronic bronchitis and relieve a cough, indicates Dr. Lizme Ajith, MD and homeopath from Government Homeopathic Medical College, Calicut, India. In addition, Juniperus communis prepared homeopathically is also beneficial for other conditions, such as kidney and bladder inflammations, says Dr. Ajith.
Warnings
If you have impaired kidney function, diabetes, stomach disorders or high blood pressure you should not use juniper. This supplement should also be avoided by pregnant women, as it may cause contractions of the uterus, warns Drugs.com. Juniper may interact with anti-inflammatory and blood thinning drugs and herbs.
Considerations
Asthma is a serious medical condition and has to be medically treated. Consult a qualified health care provider to confirm that juniper is appropriate for you and to determine the optimal dosage of juniper for your condition. Juniper pollens and other related pollens frequently cause allergic reactions, affecting up to 36 percent of individuals who have pollen allergies, says Drugs.com.
Keep in mind that juniper does not replace anti-asthma drugs and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of asthma.
References
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Center: Rocky Mountain Juniper
- "Georgian Medical News"; Phytochemical investigation of Juniper rufescens leaves and fruits; SSH.Dzharullaeva; March, 2009
- Natural Herbs Guide: Asthma
- Similima: Coniferae Family In Homeopathy
- Drugs.com: Juniper
