Evidence supporting the use of: Juniper berries
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Juniper berries (Juniperus communis) have a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, including for urinary tract conditions such as kidney stones. Traditional herbalists often use juniper berries as a diuretic—an agent that increases urine production—with the belief that increased urine flow can help flush out kidney stones or prevent their formation. In various folk medicine systems, juniper has been recommended as a remedy for kidney and bladder issues. However, the modern scientific evidence supporting this use is minimal. While some laboratory studies indicate that juniper extract may have mild diuretic effects, there is little to no clinical research directly evaluating its effectiveness in preventing or treating kidney stones in humans. Moreover, juniper berries can be irritating to the kidneys and urinary tract, especially in high doses or with prolonged use, and are contraindicated in people with existing kidney disease. Most major herbal medicine references caution against using juniper for kidney conditions due to potential toxicity. In summary, while the use of juniper berries for kidney stones is rooted in traditional herbal practice, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support its efficacy or safety for this purpose.

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