TheJuniper Berry (Juniperus communis) has a tremendous therapeutic potential, and Ayurveda mentions using this herb to cure piles, erectile dysfunction, skin problems, and coughs.
Juniper trees are native to many parts of the world and do well in chilly climates. Handpicked after they release their fragrant, somewhat lemony scent, these berries are mostly found in China and are frequently found in mountainous and dry landscapes.
Description
The abundance of nutrients in juniper berries is responsible for their many health advantages. These delicious berries are produced by the evergreen plant Juniperus communis. They are used in cooking, have a tart flavor, and smell earthy and woodsy.
Botanical Name:
Juniperus communis
Family:
Cupressaceae
Leaves:
The leaves have an oval form, are stiff and straight, measure 6 to 13 mm in length, and have sharp, prickly tips. The plant is dioecious.
Flowers:
The strobili, or cone-like structures, that bear the male and female flowers are situated on the leaf axils of the second-year branches of distinct shrubs. The yellowish brown scales on the oval-oblong, 1/10 to 1/8 inch long male strobili hold the yellow pollen sacs.
Bark:
Its twigs are reddish brown, and its grey-brown bark peels with age.
Habitat:
It prefers free-draining soils with rocky outcrops and can thrive on sandy or calcareous soils that are acidic12. Juniper is regarded as a pioneer species in many regions because it can grow in a variety of soil types and bare terrain12.
Parts Used:
- Berry
- Fruit
- Bark
Dosage:
- Oil – Apply oil on the affected area twice daily
- Capsules – Take one capsule daily.
Chemical Constituents
Hydrocarbons including β-pinene (5.0%), limonene (5.1%), sabinene (5.8%), myrcene (8.3%), and α-pinene (51.4%) are the main constituents of juniper berry oil.
Other Language Names of Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)
English name – Juniper plant, common Jupiter, Juniper berry
Marathi name – Hosha
Persian name – Hab-ul-Bruta
Hindi name – Haubera, Aaraar
Punjabi name – Abhal
Kashmiri name – Haubler, Betar, Pama, Petthri
French name – Bruta, Geneverier
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Coniferophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent)
Guna (Qualities) – Ruksha (Dry in nature), Teekshna (Strong), Laghu (Light for digestion)
Vipaka – Katu (Undergoes pungent taste after digestion)
Veerya – Ushna (Hot)
Karma (actions) – Vatakapha shamaka (Reduces vitiated Vata and Kapha dosha)
Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) Uses
- When used as a laxative, juniper facilitates easy passage of feces and encourages more frequent bowel movements in those who are constipated. This herb helps patients feel better by acting as an anti-inflammatory and pain reducer. Additionally, it does not involve straining, which lessens hemorrhoid symptoms.
- Tonic and skin, muscle, and tissue toning are two uses for juniper. This herb keeps the body’s metabolism and general operation in check. In addition, it works incredibly well as an antibacterial to cure cuts and wounds and reduce swelling.
- This herb stimulates the flow of blood throughout the menstrual cycle. Additionally, it functions as an analgesic, relieving the body of tension and discomfort.
- The juniper berry has diuretic properties that cause the body to produce more urine while excreting more salt and water, which aids in the removal of pollutants. Additionally, this plant keeps blood pressure stable.
Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) Benefits
Digestive Health:
Berries from the juniper plant contain bitter compounds that stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and the flow of bile. This makes it easy for the body to break down meals and enhances nutrient absorption. Their astringent properties make them particularly effective in treating heartburn and other digestive issues.
May help improve digestion:
Although juniper berries (Juniperus communis) have long been used in traditional medicine as a digestive aid, not many researches have looked closely at these effects. In a study with milk cows, however, the participants’ digestive habits were observed to improve when fed juniper berry essential oil.
Digestive aid:
Berries from the juniper plant are rich in bitter compounds that promote healthy digestion. These berries have long been used as a remedy for a variety of digestive problems, such as gas, indigestion, appetite loss, and tapeworms. Juniper berries also nourish your liver and aid in nutritional absorption and digestion by inducing the formation of bile and digestive enzymes. For all types of dyspepsia, they are usually administered as a tea or tincture.
Soothes Muscles:
A great remedy for tense muscles and inflammation is juniper berry. It assists in relieving muscle tension so you may relax and unwind thanks to its calming and relaxing qualities. This essential oil is a great remedy for tight or stiff muscles since it possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Diabetes:
Juniper berries contain natural insulin, which functions in the body similarly to its pharmaceutical equivalent. This is why juniper berries are frequently referred to as “Nature’s Insulin.” According to studies on animals, the berries have some ingredients that boost the synthesis of insulin and lower blood sugar. Because of this, juniper berries may be an effective ally in the fight against diet-controlled diabetes.
Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) Side Effects
Digestive Upset:
When juniper berries are taken in large amounts or over an extended period of time, they might irritate your intestines and stomach, causing discomfort such as cramps, diarrhea, and pains.
Kidney Issues:
Use of juniper berries in excess can harm your kidneys. You should be alert of symptoms such as kidney pain or even blood or protein in your urine.
Blood Sugar:
Berries from the juniper plant may impact glucose levels. Exercise caution if you have diabetes, as it may exacerbate your condition.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women:
Because they may harm the fetus or baby, juniper berries are not healthy to consume during pregnancy or during nursing. They can also interfere with fertility.
Also Read: Caraway, Kala Jeera (Carum carvi) – Properties, Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
Conclusion
With so many natural benefits and advantages for beauty, juniper berry oil is a great complement to any skincare and haircare routine. Because of its adaptability and healing properties, it’s a sought-after potion for getting shiny, healthy skin and hair.
FAQS
What is Juniper Berry used for?
Before adding the dried berries to a recipe, they are ground or crushed to release their flavor. They add taste to meat, pickled dishes, soups, stews, and stuffings. Additionally, the berries are used to flavor gin and beer, among other alcoholic beverages.
What are health benefits to juniper berries?
Infections of the urinary tract (UTIs) as well as kidney and bladder stones are treated with it. Treatments for diabetes, cancer, and snakebite are among the other uses. Some people use juniper topically to treat wounds, muscle and joint discomfort, and other conditions. In order to relieve pain and treat bronchitis, juniper essential oil is inhaled.
Does juniper have side effects?
The most common side effect of Juniper’s treatment Reflux, headaches, nausea, constipation, exhaustion, and injection site discomfort are other typical adverse effects.