Evidence supporting the use of: Juniper
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Juniper (Juniperus communis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. It has been used historically for a variety of ailments, including as a remedy for respiratory tract infections and to prevent or treat colds. The berries and essential oil contain volatile compounds such as terpenes, which were believed to have antimicrobial and expectorant properties. Traditional practices often involved making decoctions, teas, or infusions from juniper berries to support the immune system or ease symptoms of colds.
However, scientific validation for these uses is minimal. While in vitro studies have shown that juniper extracts possess mild antimicrobial activity, there is no robust clinical evidence demonstrating that juniper is effective for the prevention or treatment of the common cold in humans. Most modern herbal medicine references note juniper’s traditional use for respiratory complaints but caution that efficacy is unproven and that use should be limited due to potential side effects, especially with prolonged or high-dose ingestion. Therefore, juniper’s use for colds is primarily justified by tradition rather than scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)
allspicealoe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Garlic
Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Juniper
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bladder Infection
Blood in Urine
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Influenza
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification