Painful joints can be a symptom of arthritis, a condition often caused by damaged cartilage. In Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries, juniper berries are traditionally used to relieve arthritis. A study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in September 2009 supports the effectiveness of this herb to treat arthritis symptoms. Please talk to a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any new therapy.
Arthritis
While there are over 100 kinds of arthritis, the most common is osteoarthritis, known also as degenerative arthritis. The word arthritis simply means inflammation of the joints. Causes of cartilage damage can include bone fractures or breaks, viral or bacterial infections or autoimmune disorders, but it is usually due to the wear and tear that comes with aging. Before self-treatment of arthritis with herbs, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Juniper Berries
Juniper berries are not actually dried fruits. They are in fact small pine cones from evergreen juniper tree. Herbalists Joe and Terry Graedon write that juniper berries are made up of ten percent resin and approximately two percent volatile oils, both which contribute to their aromatic scent. Other constituents include monoterpenes, flavonoids, coumarins, sterols and catechins. An alcohol compound may be at the root of the juniper berry's diuretic action.
Scientific Research
A 2009 research trial published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" examined five species of juniper trees for their anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists extracted the bioactive components from the stem, leaves and fruits of the tree using water and methanol. They tested these two extracts in test tubes and on laboratory animals. Researchers discovered that the tree's anti-inflammatory effects varied depending on the part of the plant used and the type of extract. In addition, only two species of juniper proved to reduce inflammation in this study: prickly juniper, which is native to the Mediterranean region; and common juniper, which is indigenous to Europe and the United States. Juniper berries may be beneficial for arthritis, but more research is necessary.
Dosages and Cautions
You can make juniper berry tea by steeping 2/3 tsp. of the dried herb in 2/3 c of boiled water for approximately ten min, according to the Graedons. They recommend drinking this tea up to four times daily. If you have kidney disorders or are pregnant, avoid juniper berries. Do not use juniper berries for an extended time. Animal research demonstrates that this herb can lower blood glucose levels in laboratory animals. If you have diabetes, use juniper berries with caution and the supervision of your physician.
References
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; A Comparative Study on the Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Five Juniperus Taxa; E.K. Akkol, et al.; September 2009
- PubMed Health: Arthritis
- People's Pharmacy; Juniper; Joe and Terry Graedon; October 2005
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