Evidence supporting the use of: Juniper berries
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity

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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, particularly in European and some Asian folk practices. They have been used to address a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, urinary tract conditions, and, less commonly, menstrual irregularities. In traditional medicine, juniper berries were sometimes considered to possess emmenagogue properties—that is, the ability to stimulate menstrual flow. This belief stemmed largely from anecdotal use and the herb's general stimulating effect on the body, including mild uterine stimulation noted in some folkloric sources. However, the evidence supporting juniper berries for menstrual irregularity is limited to traditional texts and oral histories. Scientific research on the specific use of juniper berries for menstrual irregularity is scant. Most modern scientific studies focus on the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of juniper berries, rather than on gynecological effects. There is a lack of robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies directly linking juniper berry consumption to regulation of the menstrual cycle. As such, while the use is justified by tradition, there is little scientific backing, and the evidence is rated as weak (1 out of 5). It is important to note that juniper berries can be toxic in high doses and are contraindicated in pregnancy due to their potential uterine-stimulating effects.

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