Herbs & Supplements

Who is this for?

Uses

Traditionally, juniper berries and products derived from them have been taken by mouth to treat conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Juniper berries are believed to promote the secretion of stomach acid to help relieve GI complaints, such as gas, indigestion, and poor appetite, that are related to low stomach acid levels. Additionally, juniper berries have some antiseptic action that may help to eliminate GI parasites and bacteria--including H. pylori, which causes stomach ulcers. Recent laboratory studies show that juniper berry preparations may also stop or slow down the spread of some organisms that contaminate foods. Under laboratory conditions, they have shown some effects against certain kinds of cancer cells, as well.

Juniper berry is also thought to increase slightly the loss of water from the body. This mild diuretic action may be useful for relieving excess water accumulation. In animal studies, oral juniper berry preparations lowered blood sugar levels, possibly by increasing insulin production and/or by increasing sugar utilization. Neither of these possible effects has been well studied in humans, however.

Juniper contains volatile oils, also called essential oils, which have a characteristic turpentine-like smell and give the plant a bitter taste. Juniper oil should not be taken by mouth, but it may be applied to the skin to relieve minor injuries such as burns, cold sores, insect bites, razor burn, scrapes, and sunburn. In parts of the Middle East, juniper oil is used to treat fungal and parasitic infections of the skin. Juniper oil may also be rubbed on aching muscles or joints. Some evidence from case reports suggests that juniper oil may have anti-inflammatory effects, but no clinical studies support its use for inflammatory conditions.

Allowing juniper oil to evaporate, boiling the berries, or adding the oil to boiling water creates a vapor that may be inhaled to lessen bronchial congestion. Its possible anti-inflammatory effect may also help relieve inflammation in the lungs. Due to the same anti-inflammatory potential, juniper may be included in bath oils used in treating arthritis and other conditions.

Juniper tar (also called cade oil) is a thick topical preparation made from the wood of some juniper species. It has been used for psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions, but it has also been associated with potentially cancer-causing changes in the DNA of human skin. Because of this very serious potential risk and lack of proof that juniper it is effective, juniper tar has been banned from over-the-counter sales by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It should be used only under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.