Juniper has been used as a medicinal plant for several millennia by various civilizations around the world.
It has demonstrated therapeutic potential scientifically.
Juniper (Juniperus communis) is a green, evergreen shrub. Like other conifers, it is strongly aromatic. In popular language, it is also called “jneapn.”
What Properties Does Juniper Have?
For medicinal purposes, the berries or fruits of juniper are used. These are harvested between October and December when they have ripened and turned black. Their pharmacological effects are attributed to a diverse chemical composition:
- alkaloids
- catechins
- flavonoids
- leucoanthocyanidins
- tannins
- essential oils
- resins
- terpenic acids
- lignins
- waxes
- proteins
- potassium and calcium
Juniper has a wide range of properties:
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- diuretic
- depurative
- respiratory antiseptic
- bronchial antispasmodic
- bronchodilator
- sudorific
- antitussive
- carminative
- stomachic
- urinary antiseptic
- analgesic
- anti-rheumatic
- healing
- anxiolytic
- sedative
What Diseases Does It Help With?
In traditional medicine, extracts from juniper fruits are used as a diuretic and antiseptic for various ailments.
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- urinary diseases
- respiratory conditions
- diabetes
- arthritis
- gastrointestinal disorders
- autoimmune diseases
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Juniper essential oil has demonstrated antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity.
Recent research has revealed that juniper berries also have anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and cytotoxic activity.
A Powerful Antibiotic
Juniper is a plant with remarkable antibiotic potential. It can be used for various types of infections.
Researcher and biologist Eugen Giurgiu notes that juniper can be useful in:
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- cystitis
- enteritis
- gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori
- giardiasis
- intestinal parasites
- candida infections
- herpes
- urinary infections
- biliary tract infections
- severe viral conditions
- throat infections
- viral meningoencephalitis
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Treatments with Juniper for Infections
Severe Viral Conditions
A 21-day course with juniper tea is recommended. One liter should be consumed per day. It is advisable to keep it in a thermos.
After 21 days of treatment, a 7-day break should be taken, after which it can be repeated.
The tea is prepared from 2 tablespoons of crushed berries and 250 ml of boiling water. Let it steep for a quarter of an hour, then strain.
Juniper tea is used as an adjunct in the treatment prescribed by a doctor.
If there are body aches, poultices with juniper tea can be applied to the affected areas.
Pneumonia
A 3-week course with juniper tincture is recommended. Take 1 tablespoon three times a day, diluted with water.
The course can be repeated after a 10-day break.
Internal treatment can be complemented by external applications with diluted juniper essential oil.
Mix 3 drops of juniper oil with 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil. Apply the solution to the chest.
Gastritis Caused by Helicobacter Pylori
Dr. Giurgiu cites the results of a 2005 study that showed juniper tea destroys strains of H. pylori.
It acts as a powerful natural antibiotic.
The tea is prepared according to the instructions above. Drink 1 cup of tea in the morning, one at lunch, and one in the evening. Administration should be done a quarter of an hour before meals.
A 3-week course is recommended, which can be repeated after a 2-week break.
Acute and Chronic Bronchitis
Medicinal juniper essential oil, prepared strictly for internal use, is recommended. This indication must appear on the packaging or leaflet.
Do not ingest essential oils unless they are therapeutic grade and prepared for internal use. Most oils are for external use and should not be consumed.
The recommended dose is 2-5 drops, twice a day. A course lasts 14 days and can be repeated after a 14-day break.
It acts as an antiseptic agent in the lungs.
Candida Infections
In this case, juniper essential oil is also recommended, according to the warnings above.
The dose is 5 drops, twice a day. The course lasts 2 weeks and can be repeated after a 2-week break.
It not only inhibits the excessive growth of the fungus Candida albicans but also destroys its spores.
It also combats the spores of Aspergillus, another fungus that causes severe respiratory infections.
Biliary Tract Infections
Juniper tincture is indicated. Take 1 tablespoon three times a day, a quarter of an hour before meals.
Cystitis and Other Urinary Infections
For urinary infections, juniper tincture is recommended. Studies have shown that it is very effective in treating cystitis.
The effect is similar to or even superior to conventional antibiotics.
Take 1 tablespoon of tincture four times a day. The course lasts 18 days and can be repeated after a 12-day break.
This can be done concurrently with the antibiotic treatment prescribed by a doctor. Juniper only enhances the effectiveness of the medications.
Infectious Diarrhea
In this case, juniper tincture is also recommended. The indicated dose is 1 tablespoon three times a day. Each dose should be diluted with a glass of water.
The tincture is administered a quarter of an hour before meals.
The course lasts 10 days, during which the problem is resolved.
Enteritis
A course with juniper tincture or a course with juniper berries can be followed.
If you choose the tincture, the recommended dose is 3 tablespoons per day, in a 3-week course.
If you opt for the course with berries, the initial dose is 4 berries on the first day, which should be chewed well and swallowed.
The dose is gradually increased by one berry per day. The final goal is to reach 15 berries per day. After that, the dose is decreased by one berry per day, returning to 4 berries per day.
The course with juniper berries destroys intestinal pathogens. Additionally, it cleanses the entire body, being beneficial for numerous ailments.
Giardiasis and Intestinal Parasites
In these conditions, the course with juniper berries yields good results. This can be done 4-6 times a year. It helps prevent them.
Biliary Tract Infections and Hepatitis
Juniper branches are used in the form of syrup.
A handful of crushed branches is boiled with 1 liter of water for 30 minutes.
In the strained tea, add 500 g of sugar and boil until it reaches the consistency of a light syrup.
Take 1 tablespoon as needed.
AIDS
A course with juniper berries for 21 days is recommended. Consume 4 juniper berries at each meal.
After a 10-day break, the treatment can be repeated.
During this interval, tincture can also be administered, 1 tablespoon three times a day, before meals, diluted with 100 ml of water.
This helps boost immunity and provides protection against infections.
Precautions and Contraindications
Do not exceed a dose of 10 g of plant per day.
The duration of a course is a maximum of 4 weeks.
Juniper is contraindicated for pregnant women. In active urinary infections, the administration of the plant should be done with caution. Some individuals may experience inflammation.
Start with a quarter of the recommended dose. If urinary or renal reactions occur, discontinue treatment.
Individuals with acute or chronic nephritis or nephrosis should consume juniper only under medical supervision, as the plant may have an irritating effect. In this case, juniper tincture can be associated with tinctures of marshmallow, mallow, or plantain.
Juniper inhibits procreation, so it is not recommended for those who wish to have children.
