Page 245 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Juniper, Juniperus spp. Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal Properties:
Juniper berry is an effective treatment against many
Juniper is usually a small shrub, growing between 2 to bacterial strains, both gram-positive and gram-nega-
20 feet (6 meters) high, and found throughout the tive. These include common bacteria such as E. coli,
Northern Hemisphere. It is a member of the Staphylococcus aureus, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and
Cupressaceae (Cypress) Family. antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It is also a
strong internal and external anti-
Identification: The shrub has fungal.
reddish-brown bark that peels off in
papery pieces. The leaves are nee- Skin Infections, Irrita-
dles, tapering to a spiny point, in tions, and Wounds: A
whorls of 3, with white bands mixture of Juniper Essential
down the center. Cones ap- Oil in lard or a carrier oil is used
pear on short stalks. The MPF, CC by 2.5 to treat skin infections and
berries are small, round to wounds.
oval and up to ½ inch (1.25 cm) in diameter. Berries Edema (Dropsy). Juniper Infusion treats edema.
are green when young and purple-black when mature.
They take up to 3 years to ripen, so both green and ripe Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-
berries are often on the same shrub. Each berry usually Aging: Juniper berries are high in antioxidant and
has three seeds. anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants neutralize
free radicals, which are responsible for cell damage
Edible Use: Use crushed berries in cooking to flavor
meats and sauces. Juniper berries are used as a flavor- and aging that leads to the development of diseases like
ing for gin. The berries can be used either dried or cancer, arthritis,
and heart disease.
fresh, and crushing them releases their bitter flavor.
The astringency is strongest in fresh berries and de- They also help
the
keep
skin
clines with drying and storage.
healthy and fight
Medicinal Use: Juniper berries for medicinal use the fine lines and
can be incorporated as a flavoring in cooking or taken wrinkles that re-
as an infusion. The needles are also medicinal and, un- sult from aging.
like the fruits, can be gathered year-round.
Respiratory
Heartburn, Indigestion, and Flatulence: Ju- Issues: Juniper
niper berries are a bitter astringent that improves di- needles can be in-
gestion. The bitters cause saliva, digestive enzymes, fused in water
and stomach acids to increase, which aids in the diges- and the steam in- Ripe and unripe berries on the same bush,
tion of food and helps with flatulence and gas. Use Ju- haled to relieve Pt, CC by SA 3.0
niper Infusion, Juniper Oil, or eat dried, crushed ripe respiratory issues and to clear mucous.
juniper berries.
Harvesting: Pick only the ripe, dark-blue berries
Diuretic: Eating juniper berries relieves bloating. It and lay them out to dry. As they dry, they lose some of
increases urine output and relieves water retention their blue color and turn blackish. The berries contain
caused by injury, inflammation, or excess sodium in the most oil just as they begin to ripen, so use them
the diet. fresh whenever possible.

Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections: Be- Warning: Excessive consumption may cause kidney
cause of its diuretic action, juniper helps flush out tox- irritation. Use Plantain leaf or Mallow root to help
ins and bacteria in the urinary tract, which helps pre- minimize kidney irritation. Juniper berries should not
vent urinary tract infections. It also clears uric acid, be used by pregnant or nursing women. Diabetics and
helping gout, and helps clear the bladder and prostate. people with bleeding disorders should avoid Juniper.
It should also be avoided after surgery.

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