Juniper

Description

Juniper (Juniperus communis ) is an evergreen shrub found on mountains and heaths throughout Europe, Southwest Asia, and North America. The tree grows to a height of 6-25 ft (2-8 m) and has stiff, pointed needles that grow to 0.4 in (1 cm) long. The female bears cones that produce small round bluish-black berries, which take three years to fully mature.

Juniper belongs to the pine family (Cupressaceae). Juniper has diuretic, antiseptic, stomachic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antirheumatic properties. The tree's therapeutic properties stem from a volatile oil found in the berries. This oil contains terpenes, flavonoid glycosides, tannins, sugar, tar, and resin. Terpinen-4-ol (a diuretic compound of the oil) stimulates the kidneys, increasing their filtration rate. The flavonoid amentoflavone exhibits antiviral properties. Test tube studies show that another constituent of juniper, desoxypodophyllotoxins, may act to inhibit the herpes simplex virus. The resins and tars contained in the oil benefit such skin conditions as psoriasis .

For more than 300 years, juniper berries have been a popular flavoring agent for gin. The word gin comes from the Dutch word for juniper, "geniver." In addition to being an ingredient in alcohol, juniper also has medicinal properties. Ancient Egyptian doctors used the oil as a laxative as far back as 1550 b.c. The Zuni Native American people used the berries to assist them in childbirth. Other Native Americans gathered juniper berries and leaves to treat infections , arthritis, and wounds . British herbalists used juniper to promote menstruation . Nineteenth-century American herbalists used juniper as a remedy for congestive heart failure, gonorrhea , and urinary tract infections.

Juniper has also been used as a traditional remedy for cancer , arthritis, gas, indigestion, warts, bronchitis, tuberculosis, gallstones, colic , heart failure, intestinal disease, gout , and back pain . The berries were often eaten to relieve rheumatism or to freshen bad breath . When treating patients, doctors often chewed juniper berries to prevent infection.

General use

Modern herbalists prescribe juniper to treat bladder infections, kidney disease, chronic arthritis, gout, rheumatic conditions, fluid retention, cystitis, skin conditions, inflammation, digestive problems, menstrual irregularities, and high blood pressure. The German Commission E has approved juniper berries for use in treating heartburn and dyspepsia (indigestion), belching, and other digestive disturbances.

Juniper is a powerful diuretic. The volatile oil contained in juniper is composed of compounds that stimulate the kidneys to remove fluid and bacterial waste products from the body. This diuretic action is useful in such conditions as congestive heart failure, urinary infections, and kidney disease.

The oil also has antiseptic properties, which makes it a useful disinfectant treatment for urinary and bladder infections. The German Commission E reported that juniper caused an increase in urine flow and smooth muscle contractions. Juniper may be combined with other herbs such as uva ursi, parsley , cleavers, or buchu to treat bladder infections. In fact, juniper may help treat bladder infections more effectively when combined with other herbs.

Juniper's anti-inflammatory properties help to relieve the inflammation, stiffness, and pain that are present in conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, and gout. The berries can be made into an ointment and rubbed on the affected joints and muscles. The tree needles may be crushed and added to a bath to ease aching muscles. Some people may find relief from the nerve, muscle, joint, and tendon pains of gout and rheumatoid arthritis by applying a compress made from an infusion of juniper berries.

Juniper is also warming to the digestive system and increases the production of stomach acid, stimulates the appetite, settles the stomach, and relieves gas.

A steam distillation process is used to extract the essential oil of juniper from the ripe dried berries. This aromatic oil has a light, fruity fragrance that is psychologically uplifting during periods of low energy, anxiety , and general weakness. Applied topically, essential oil of juniper has a warming effect on the skin and helps to promote the removal of fluid and waste products from tissues. External applications also help relieve sore muscles, joint and lower back pain, and can be used to clear up acne, eczema , and varicose veins . To stimulate menstruation, juniper oil can be added to a carrier oil and used in a sitz bath or massage. Steam inhalation of the essential oil may also help relieve coughs and lung conditions such as bronchitis.

Consumers should use juniper oil sparingly and should not use more than the recommended dose. Six or more drops of juniper oil can have a toxic effect. Any aromatherapy essential oil should be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond or grapeseed oil before external use.

Preparations

The ripe, berries and needles from the tree are used in herbal medicine. Juniper is available in bulk form as whole berries, or as a supplement in the form of capsules or tinctures.

The recommended tincture dosage is 10-20 drops four times daily.

Teas are often taken to relieve digestive problems. To make a tea, 1 cup of boiling water is poured over 1 tablespoon of juniper berries. The mixture is covered and steeped for 10-20 minutes. One cup can be drunk two times daily. The tea should not be used for longer than two weeks at a time. A clean cloth may be soaked in the cooled mixture to create a compress.

Precautions

Juniper should be used only for short periods of time. High doses or prolonged use of juniper may irritate the kidneys and urinary tract, causing damage. People with kidney problems should not use this herb.

Juniper stimulates contractions of the womb. Pregnant women should not use juniper. Breast-feeding women also should not use juniper.

Juniper may increase blood sugar levels in diabetics. Therefore, diabetics should consult with their doctor before using juniper.

When taking juniper for a bladder infection , consumers should see their doctor if the infection is still present after several days of use, or if lower back pain, fever , or chills develop.

Side effects

External application of juniper oil may cause a skin rash.

People with allergies may experience allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion.

Symptoms of juniper overdose include diarrhea , purplish urine, blood in the urine, kidney pain, intestinal pain, elevated blood pressure, and a quickened heartbeat. If these effects occur, consumers should stop taking juniper and call their doctor immediately.

Interactions

Consumers should use juniper cautiously with other diuretic drugs or substances because excessive fluid loss may occur.

Resources

BOOKS

Time-Life Books. The Alternative Advisor. Alexandria, VA: Time Life Inc., 1997.

Lininger, Skye, D.C. The Natural Pharmacy. Virtual Health, LLC, 1998.

Jennifer Wurges

Juniper

Juniper is the common name for a large group of evergreen shrubs and trees belonging to genus Juniperus, in the family Cupressaceae (Cypress), order Pinales (pine). There are more than 50 species of Juniperus. They can be low creeping ground cover, broad spreading shrubs, or tall narrow trees. Both low–growing and tall varieties are cultivated for ornamental purposes. They have thick dense foliage; some species can be trimmed or sculpted to unusual shapes. Tall varieties, with their thick foliage, are quite wind resistant and are often planted in rows, as windbreaks.

Junipers grow throughout the world in many climates, from arctic regions to northern temperate areas and the subtropics. Junipers are conifers, but they differ from typical cone–bearing trees, which produce both male and female cones—junipers are either male or female. The female cones turn into fleshy, aromatic berries that are used for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes. Junipers have two different types of leaves which, depending on the species, range from dark green to a light shade of blue–gray. Some leaves are needle like, similar to other conifers. Others are scales that are pressed close to the twigs. Most species have a combination of the two types of leaves; young branches typically have needles, while the more mature branches have scales. Juniperus communis, or common juniper, is the one species that has only the needle type leaves.

The common juniper is a variable species, as it can occur as a shrub (3–4 feet [1–1.3 m]) or tall tree (30–40 feet [10–13 m]). Native to Europe, it is now widely distributed in the northern temperate zones. Color, size, and shape depend on the variety, climate, and soil. The sharp leaves, 0.7–1 inch (5–15 mm) long, grow in whorls of three. Small yellow (male) or blue–green (female) cones grow at the base of the leaves. The scales on the female cones grow together and develop into fleshy, aromatic, pea–sized berries that contain two to three seeds. The berries take about 1–3 years to mature and turn a dark blue–black color when ripe.

The best known use of the oil obtained from the berries is the flavoring for gin, an alcoholic beverage invented by the Dutch. The name gin is derived from jenever, the Dutch word for juniper. The berries have a strong flavor and are thought to stimulate the appetite. They are also used to flavor soft drinks, meat dishes, and condiments (they show up in jars of dill pickles). The principal medicinal use of juniper berries has been as a diuretic (an agent that promotes urination). Poultices made of leaves and berries have been used for bruises, arthritis, and rheumatism. The berries have also been used as a substitute for pepper, and when roasted, a substitute for coffee. Fabric dyes are also obtained from the berries. Juniper berries can be toxic, however; pregnant women and people with kidney ailments should not ingest them.

Some species such as, the Mediterranean J. thuridera and J. excelsa grow into large trees and are an important source of timber. Juniperus virginiana, also called eastern red cedar or Virginia juniper, found in the eastern United States, was used extensively for building houses in the early nineteenth century—its aromatic wood was an excellent bug repellant, particularly the bedbug. The wood for J. virginiana is also used to make high–quality pencils.

Juniper

Juniper is the common name for a large group of evergreen shrubs and trees belonging to genus Juniperus, in the family Cupressaceae (Cypress), order Pinales (pine). There are more than 50 species of Juniperus. They can be low creeping ground cover, broad spreading shrubs, or tall narrow trees. Both low growing and tall varieties are cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Junipers have thick, dense foliage and some species can be trimmed or sculpted to unusual shapes. Tall varieties, with their thick foliage, are quite wind resistant and are often planted in rows, as "windbreaks." Junipers grow throughout the world in many climates, from arctic regions, northern temperate areas, to the subtropics. Junipers are conifers, but they differ from typical cone bearing trees, which produce both male and female cones—junipers are either male or female. The female cones turn into fleshy, aromatic berries that are used for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes. Junipers have two different types of leaves which, depending on the species, range from dark-green to a light shade of blue-gray. Some leaves are needle-like, similar to other conifers. The other type are scales that are pressed close to the twigs. Most species have a combination of the two types of leaves; young branches typically have needles, while the more mature branches have scales. Juniperus communis, or common juniper, is the one species that has only the needle type leaves.

The common juniper is a variable species, as it can occur as a shrub (3-4 ft/1-1.3 m) or tall tree (30-40 ft/10-13 m). Native to Europe , it is now widely distributed in the northern temperate zones. The color , size, and shape depend on the variety, climate, and soil . The sharp leaves, 0.7-1 in (5-15 mm) long, grow in whorls of three. Small yellow (male) or blue-green (female) cones grow at the base of the leaves. The scales on the female cones grow together and develop into fleshy, aromatic, peasized berries that contain two to three seeds . The berries take about one or three years to mature and turn a dark blue-black color when ripe.

The best known use of the oil obtained from the berries is the flavoring for gin, an alcoholic beverage invented by the Dutch. The name gin is derived from jenever, the Dutch word for juniper. The berries have a strong flavor and are thought to stimulate the appetite. They are also used to flavor soft drinks, meat dishes, and condiments (they show up in jars of dill pickles). The principal medicinal use of juniper berries has been as a diuretic (an agent that promotes urination). Juniper berries can be toxic; pregnant women and people with kidney ailments should not ingest them. Poultices made of leaves and berries have been used for bruises, arthritis , and rheumatism. The berries have also been used as a substitute for pepper , and when roasted, a substitute for coffee. Fabric dyes are also obtained from the berries.

Some species such as, the Mediterranean J. thuridera and J. excelsa grow into large trees and are an important source of timber. Juniperus virginiana, also called eastern red cedar or Virginia juniper, found in the eastern United States, was used extensively for building houses in the early nineteenth century—its aromatic wood was an excellent bug repellant, particularly the bedbug. The wood for J. virginiana is also used to make high quality pencils.

JUNIPER

The juniper is the biblical berosh (Heb. בְּרוֹשׁ) or berot (Heb. בְּרוֹת; Song 1:17), wrongly used in modern Hebrew for the *cypress (the av translation of rotem as juniper is not acceptable). Beroshim are frequently mentioned in the Bible, chiefly together with the cedar of Lebanon. It is a tall evergreen tree (Hos. 14:9), smaller than the cedar (Ezek. 31:8) but, like it, symbolizing strength and high stature (ii Kings 19:23). It grows in the Lebanon (ibid.; Isa. 14:8) and on Mt. Senir, which is Hermon (Ezek. 27:5). In ancient times its choice wood, like that of the cedar, was the most important source of timber for building in the Near East (cf. Isa. 14:8). Junipers were sent by Hiram, king of Tyre, for the building of the Temple (i Kings 5:22), whose flooring, walls, and doors were faced with them (ibid. 6:15). From its wood the ships of Tyre were built (Ezek. 27:5). In his vision of the blossoming desert, Isaiah (41:19; 55:13) prophesied that the juniper would one day grow in the wilderness. The Semitic name berosh or berot occurs in Greek (βράθυ) and in Latin (bratus) as a species of lofty juniper. In the hills of Lebanon and of Hermon two species of juniper (Juniperus drupacea and Juniperus excelsa) grow wild and are called by the Arabs berota. Both are upright trees, up to 65 feet (20 m.) high, evergreens, whose tiny leaves are like splinters. The wood is hard and very fragrant (the "fragrance as Lebanon" (Hos. 14:7) refers to the juniper and the cypress). The Septuagint identified the biblical berosh with the cypress, and from there the usage passed into modern Hebrew. This identification is not acceptable, however, because the cypress does not grow wild in the hills of Lebanon and Hermon in the neighborhood of the cedar, as described in the Bible. The biblical name for the cypress is te'ashur or gofer. Nor can the juniper be identified with the arar ba-aravah (av "the heath in the desert"; Jer. 17:6), since this cannot refer to the juniper growing in the Lebanon. The species Juniperus oxycedros grows in Upper Galilee and Juniperus phoenicea in the desert regions of Edom and Sinai, but it cannot be supposed that Jeremiah was referring to these distant trees. The arar is to be identified with the *tamarisk.

bibliography:

Loew, Flora, 3 (1924), 15, 33–38; J. Feliks, Olam ha-Ẓome'aḥ ha-Mikra'i (1968²), 79–83. add. bibliography: Feliks, Ha-Ẓome'aḥ, 40.

[Jehuda Feliks]

ju·ni·per / ˈjoōnəpər/ • n. an evergreen shrub or tree (genus Juniperus) of the cypress family that bears aromatic berrylike cones, widely distributed throughout Eurasia and North America. Many species include the common juniper (J. communis), used for flavoring gin.