Juniper

Other names

500 mg juniper berry 4:1 extract
ampiberry
ampiblast
certified organic juniper extract
certified organic juniper (juniperus monosperma) dried berry liquid extract
common juniper
common juniper young shoot extract
dried juniper berry extract
dried powdered juniper berries
essential oil of juniper
hapusha
juniper
juniper 4:1 extract
juniper berries
juniper berries extract
juniper berries extract 2:1
juniper berries herb powder
juniper berries powder
juniper berry
juniper berry 20:1 extract
juniper berry 4:1 extract
juniper berry & berry extract
juniper berry concentrate
juniper berry extract
juniper berry extract, aqueous
juniper berry extract, dry
juniper berry fluid extract
juniper berry fruit
juniper berry fruit extract
juniper berry fruit oil
juniper berry glycerite liquid extract
juniper berry herb powder
juniper berry (juniperus communis) extract
juniper berry oil
juniper berry powder
juniper berry, powder
juniper essential oil
juniper extract
juniper extractives
juniper fruit extract
juniper (juniperus communis) berry extract
juniper (juniperus communis) (berry) powder
juniper (juniperus communis) extract
juniper (juniperus communis) extract 4:1
juniper (juniperus communis) fruit 4:1 extract
juniper (juniperus communis) powder
juniper (juniperus communis) young shoot extract
juniper liquid extract
juniper oil
juniper oil, wild
juniper powder
juniper, powder
juniper seed oil, wild
juniper shoot extract
juniperus communis
juniperus communis berry extract
juniperus communis berry extract, dry
juniperus communis extract
juniperus communis fruit extract
juniperus communis oil
juniperus communis, powder
juniperus communis shoot extract
juniperus communis young shoot extract
juniperus monosperma berry extract, dry
juniper young shoot extract
one-seed juniper fruit extract
organic juniper
organic juniper berry extract
volatile oil
volatile oils

Synopsis

History

Juniper (Juniperus spp.) has a rich history as a medicinal herb, valued by numerous cultures for its versatile health-promoting qualities. The berries, the most commonly used part, have been employed since ancient times for their diuretic, antiseptic, and digestive properties. In traditional European herbalism, juniper berries were often prescribed to support urinary tract health, believed to help flush out toxins and alleviate water retention. Ancient Greeks used juniper in their Olympic training for its supposed stamina-boosting effects, while Native American tribes incorporated the berries and branches into remedies for colds, arthritis, and digestive complaints.

Juniper’s essential oils contain a wealth of bioactive compounds, including terpenes and flavonoids, credited with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant actions. Historically, juniper infusions or decoctions were used to ease symptoms of rheumatism, gout, and indigestion. The warming, aromatic qualities of juniper have also made it a popular ingredient in herbal steams and liniments, especially for respiratory and joint ailments.

In herbal combinations, juniper is often paired with other botanicals such as dandelion, uva ursi, and parsley to enhance urinary tract support. Its pungent, cleansing nature synergizes well with herbs like ginger or cinnamon for digestive blends, and with rosemary or thyme in formulations targeting respiratory wellness. Juniper’s contributions to natural medicine are both time-honored and well-regarded, offering gentle yet effective support for a variety of health concerns. Its ongoing use in modern herbal products highlights its enduring value in holistic wellness traditions.

Traditional and scientific validation

Juniper (Juniperus communis) has a long-standing history in traditional medicine, valued for its aromatic berries and purported health benefits. Historical records indicate that juniper berries were used in ancient Greek, Roman, and Native American remedies for digestive issues, urinary tract health, and as a general tonic. The essential oils and flavonoids present in juniper are believed to contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Modern scientific research has begun to explore juniper’s potential therapeutic effects. Laboratory and animal studies suggest that juniper extracts may exhibit antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory actions, primarily attributed to volatile oils such as alpha-pinene and sabinene. Some small-scale human studies have investigated juniper’s diuretic properties, supporting its traditional use in promoting kidney and bladder function. Additionally, in vitro studies have demonstrated that juniper constituents possess antioxidant capacities, which may help mitigate oxidative stress.

However, comprehensive clinical trials in humans are limited, and conclusive evidence regarding juniper’s efficacy for specific health conditions is still lacking. While juniper is generally considered safe when used in moderation as a culinary ingredient or dietary supplement, excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects, particularly in individuals with kidney disorders or during pregnancy.

In summary, juniper is a time-honored botanical with promising bioactive compounds, and preliminary scientific findings support some of its traditional uses. Nevertheless, further rigorous clinical research is warranted to fully validate its health benefits and ensure its safe application in nutritional products.

Uses: Health Conditions

Blood in Urine (Traditional)
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bladder Infection (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Hemorrhoids (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Influenza (Traditional)
Kidney Stones (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)

Body Systems

None

Products containing this ingredient

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.