JUNIPER: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Juniper is a tree that grows wild in some parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. There are many varieties of juniper, but Juniperus communis is the most common in North America.

Don't confuse juniper berry oil with cade oil, which is distilled from juniper wood (Juniperus oxycedrus).

Some people take juniper by mouth for problems with digestion, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, juniper berry is often used as a condiment. The extract, oil, and berry are used as flavoring ingredients in foods and beverages.

In manufacturing, juniper extract and oil are used as fragrances in soaps and cosmetics.

How does it work ?

Juniper berries contain chemicals that might decrease swelling. It might also be effective in fighting bacteria and viruses. Juniper might also increase the need to urinate.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Gardner, D. R., Panter, K. E., James, L. F., and Stegelmeier, B. L. Abortifacient effects of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and common juniper (Juniperus communis) on cattle. Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 1998;40(5):260-263. View abstract.

Grainger Bisset, N. Max Wichtl herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals a handbook for practice on a scientific basis. 2000.

Janku, I., Hava, M., and Motl, O. [Diuretic substance from juniper (Juniperus communis L.)]. Experientia 6-15-1957;13(6):255-256. View abstract.

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Nakanishi, T., Iida, N., Inatomi, Y., Murata, H., Inada, A., Murata, J., Lang, F. A., Iinuma, M., and Tanaka, T. Neolignan and flavonoid glycosides in Juniperus communis var. depressa. Phytochemistry 2004;65(2):207-213. View abstract.

Stanic, G, Samarzija, I, and Blazevic, N. Time-dependent diuretic response in rats treated with juniper berry preparations. Phytother Res 1998;12:494-497.

Anon. Final report on the safety assessment of Juniperus communis Extract, Juniperus oxycedrus Extract, Juniperus oxycedrus Tar, Juniperus phoenicea extract, and Juniperus virginiana Extract. Int J Toxicol 2001;20:41-56. View abstract.

Assessment report on Juniperus communis L., pseudofructus. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC), 2011. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-juniperi-pseudo-fructus_en.pdf

Bais S, Gill NS, Rana N, Shandil S. A phytopharmacological review on a medicinal plant: Juniperus communis. Int Sch Res Notices 2014;2014:634723. View abstract.

Buckle J. Use of aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for chronic pain. Altern Ther Health Med 1999;5:42-51. View abstract.

Darwish RS, Hammoda HM, Ghareeb DA, et al. Efficacy-directed discrimination of the essential oils of three Juniperus species based on their in-vitro antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;259:112971. View abstract.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Filipowicz N, Kaminski M, Kurlenda J, et al. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of juniper berry oil and its selected components. Phytother Res 2003;17:227-31. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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JUNIPER

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with JUNIPER

Minor Interaction

Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with JUNIPER

Dosing

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