Juniper Berries

Eastern Deciduous Forest, Tall Grass Prairie

Juniper Berries 
Juniperus communis 

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Habitat: Found in dry, infertile, rocky soil in North America from the Arctic circle to Mexico, Canada to Alaska, south to mountains in Georgia, eastern Tennessee, north to Illinois, Minnesota; west to New Mexico, California. Found over a large part of the northern 
hemisphere. 

Seasons:  Flowering time is April-June. The bluish-black rounded fruits ripen in August-October (used for medicine).

Parts Used: berries and new twigs

Active Chemical Ingredients:Primarily sugars, but also pinene, limonene, tannins, and antioxidant flavonoids.

Myrcene: C₁₀H₁₆ 

Monoterpenes are antiseptic, antiviral and bactericidal.

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Uses of Specimen:

• Treatment of Fungal infections and a disinfectant (anitmicrobial, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal) used as juniper berry oil
• Treatment of food poisoning (use juniper berry oil)
• Strengthens Immune system
• Treats fever
• Treats digestion problems including upset stomach, intestinal gas, heartburn, bloating, gastrointestinal infections, intestinal worms, and loss of appetite
•  Treatment of Urinary Tract infections and kidney/bladder stones (as a tea)
• Tea is an antiseptic wash, used to disinfect cuts
• Treatment of Snakebite and inflammation (sprained ankle/wrist) by using berries or tea
• Fun Fact:According to researchers at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, juniper berry combats both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria are the cause for E. coli, pneumonia and gonorrhea, while gram-positive bacteria cause Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus is a common infection that people acquire in hospitals and it is often resistant to antibiotics; you have probably heard it called MRSA. Since pharmaceuticals are often ineffective at treating MRSA, juniper berry could be an effective alternative to help combat infections.

Preparation:
Chew berries for indigestion. Apply crushed berried to dermatitis affected area. Mix berry oil with lard to apply to wounds such as snakebite.

• Infusion: steep 1 tsp. crushed berries in 1/2 cup water for 5-10 minutes in a covered pot and strain. Take 1/2 to 1 cup per day, a mouthful at a time. If desired, sweeten with 1 tsp. honey (or raw sugar) unless used for gastrointestinal problems.

• Tea: use 1 tbsp. crushed berries in 4 cups water, cover saucepan with a lid. Boil down slowly to 2 cups. Strain and drink 1 cup during the day and a second cup at bedtime. OR The tea is made by pouring 2/3 cup boiling water over 2/3 teaspoon (2 g) of dried berries, steeping for ten minutes, and straining. This dose is repeated three or four times per day.  The best tea is made from berries rubbed through a sieve not more than one day prior to brewing. 

• Jam or Syrup: Adults take 1 tbsp., 2 times per day, in water, tea, or milk. Children take 1 tsp., 3 times per day, in water. Take an hour before meals as an appetizer.

• Paste: Mix powdered juniper berries with water to form a paste that you apply to the skin 2-3 times per day

  

Juniper berries should be used for a maximum of four weeks except under medical supervision.  

Resources:

• Whitman, S. (2015, June 28). Juniper Berries and Health Benefits. Retrieved September 6, 2015, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/357364-juniper-berries-and-health-benefits/
• Juniper - Medicinal Herb Info. (n.d.). Retrieved September 6, 2015, from http://medicinalherbinfo.org/herbs/Juniper.html 
• Antibacterial and antifungal activity of juniper berry oil and its selected components. (2003, March 17). Retrieved September 6, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12672151
• Mountain Rose Herbs: Juniper Berries. (n.d.). Retrieved September 6, 2015, from https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/juniper-berry/profile