Juniper (Juniperus communis) has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly as a diuretic. Folk remedies in Europe and other regions have used juniper berries to "flush out" the urinary tract, which is why juniper has sometimes been recommended for conditions like kidney stones. The rationale is that increased urine flow may help to pass small stones or reduce the risk of their formation. However, the scientific evidence supporting juniper's efficacy for treating or preventing kidney stones is minimal. Most available studies focus on juniper's essential oils and their antimicrobial or diuretic effects, but there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically examining its impact on nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) in humans.

Additionally, there are concerns about the potential nephrotoxicity of juniper when used in high doses or over extended periods, further limiting its therapeutic use for kidney-related conditions. Authoritative sources such as the European Medicines Agency and modern phytotherapy references mention juniper's historical use for urinary tract conditions, but do not endorse it for kidney stones due to insufficient evidence and potential safety risks. In summary, while juniper is traditionally used for supporting urinary tract health, there is little to no scientific validation for its use in treating kidney stones, and caution is advised due to possible adverse effects.