Herbs Guide

Juniperus

Family Name: Cupressaceae

Botanical Name(s): Juniperus Communis

Popular Name(s): Juniper Berries, Juniper Bush and Juniper Bark

Parts Used: Dried fruits

Habitat: Dry places in the northern United States, Canada and Kamchatka.

Description: Juniper is an upright spreading shrub with red-brown, papery bark and juvenile foliage only, consisting of whorls of three sharply pointed, dark green to blue-green leaves that have a single white stripe on the inner surface. Tiny male cones and globose female cones are borne on separate plants, followed by spherical green fruits on the female plants that ripen to black over three years.

Uses: Oil of Juniper is given as a diuretic, stomachic and carminative in indigestion, flatulence and diseases of the kidney and bladder. The berries are used to flavor pickling brine, sauerkraut, stuffing's, game, ham and pork. Juniper extracts are used to flavor gin, beer and liquors. Great for toning congested skin with blocked pores and fighting acne, eczema, and psoriasis as well as skin inflammations.