Juniper (Juniperus communis)

The Dutch were onto something when they boiled up some Juniper berries to treat stomach pain back in 1299. As we all know (or may not know) Juniper is the main flavouring component in Gin, and the name itself was derived from the Dutch word for Juniper ‘genever’.

Besides the steady flow of trendy cocktail bars popping up based solely around the magic of this tiny berry, spurring on the masses with a bit of Dutch courage, there are some other reasons as to why its so revered in the world of medicinal herbs.

Juniper berries are also a strong anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial for the urinary system due to the flavonoids, tannins and volatile oils.

It has also been used to treat other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, gout and rheumatism, and to help relieve certain digestive complaints.

Food for thought while you swirl that Friday knock-off G&T.

Actions: Urinary antiseptic, mild diuretic, carminative, anti-inflammatory  

Indications: Urinary tract infections, dysuria, recurrent cystitis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, GIT infections, dyspepsia.

Pregnancy / Breastfeeding safe: Avoid in pregnancy.

Enjoy in blends:

BLACK (BERRY) HEART: https://www.littlewildlingco.com/products/test-black-berry-heart

 Reference:

Bone, K: The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: Juniper (Juniperus communis) 2007, Pg. 44

The Herbal Extract Company, Herbal Monograph: Juniper (Juniperus communis)