What Are Juniper Berries Good For?

Juniper is an evergreen tree that is native to Europe and belongs to the pine family. Juniper has long been used as a flavoring in food and alcoholic beverages, and it also has a history of topical and oral use for the promotion of health. The medicinal portion of the plant is a blue-reddish fruit often referred to as berries or berry-like cones.

As with any herbal product, consult with your health care practitioner before taking juniper berries for health-related purposes.

Nutritional Benefits

Juniper berries contain volatile oils, proteins and fatty acids, and they are a rich source of nutrients. The berries contain the minerals calcium, chromium, magnesium, potassium, selenium and zinc, as well as vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3 and C. Juniper also contains a variety of phytochemicals, including beta-carotene, camphor, glycolic acid, terpinen-4-ol, tannins and catechins. Phytochemicals are plant compounds that have potent antioxidant properties; they scavenge free radicals and help to prevent and fight disease in humans, according to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Juniper berries also have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, states Vitamin-Supplements.org.

Uses

Juniper berry oil has been traditionally used as a diuretic, and Drugs.com states that the phytochemical terpinen-4-ol is responsible for its ability to reduce fluid retention. Juniper was also traditionally used as a steam inhalant to help reduce bronchitis symptoms. According to Phyllis Balch, an oral intake of juniper helps to treat asthma, bladder infections, dyspepsia, nasal decongestion, obesity, prostate disorders and warts and to reduce blood sugar levels. In addition, due to junipers anti-inflammatory properties, it is used to help relieve the inflammation, pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, rheumatism and gout. These uses are primarily based on anecdotal reports and not scientific evidence, however.

Digestive and Topical Uses

The bitter compounds found in juniper make it a useful digestive tonic. NaturalNews.com states that juniper helps to enhance digestion and to relieve intestinal cramps, stomach upset, heartburn and bloating. Juniper is used topically on wounds to enhance wound healing and to prevent secondary infections, according to the Natural News website. In addition, it is applied topically to help treat acne, dandruff, psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions.

Precautions

Drugs.com warns that juniper is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as for women who are trying to get pregnant and individuals with reduced kidney function. Skin and respiratory allergic reactions have been reported from juniper, and juniper can interfere with iron absorption when taken internally.