Juniper
Juniperus communis
also known as juniper berry
Moderate (traditional use)
An evergreen shrub whose blue-black berries flavor gin and have a long traditional use as a urinary tract herb. Juniper works as a mild diuretic and antiseptic — but it can irritate the kidneys with extended use, so short courses only.
- Mild diuretic action
- Traditional antiseptic for urinary tract support
- Carminative — eases gas and bloating
- Topical use for minor muscle and joint discomfort
- Distinctive piney flavor used widely in cooking and beverages
Can irritate the kidneys — limit continuous use to 4 to 6 weeks
Avoid with kidney disease
Avoid during pregnancy — can stimulate the uterus and cause miscarriage
Avoid during nursing
Use caution with diuretic medications — additive effect
Use caution with diabetes medication — may lower blood sugar
Skip with bladder or kidney inflammation
Research
- Reduced snow cover at the alpine treeline: resistance and recovery of saplings.
- Biologically Active Compounds from Bark of Juniperus communis (Cupressaceae).
- LC-MS/MS characterization, biological activity, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitory potential of five medicinal plant extracts from Romania and Türkiye.
Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro
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