Cupressaceae
Juniper Berry
Juniperus communis
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Northern Hemisphere (circumpolar)
Also known as: Common Juniper, Hackmatack, Gin Berry
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Parts Used
Berry
Therapeutic Uses
Urinary tract infections (lower UTI), gout (uric acid flushing), digestive complaints (flatulence, IBS), joint pain. Terpinen-4-ol is urinary antiseptic (similar mechanism to uva ursi).
Herbal Actions
Urinary antiseptic, diuretic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, antifungal
Active Constituents
Volatile oil (α-pinene, sabinene, β-myrcene, limonene, terpinen-4-ol), flavonoids, tannins, resin acids, podophyllotoxin (trace)
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal Tea⚗️ Essential Oil
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp crushed berries per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 1–2 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol) — lower dose herb, 3x daily |
| Notes | Commission E approved for UTI. Use ripe (blue/black) berries only — green berries less active. Maximum 6-week courses. High fluid intake essential (2L+/day). Do not confuse with toxic species (J. sabina). |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: AVOID in pregnancy (powerful uterotonic/abortifacient). Avoid in kidney inflammation (irritant to damaged kidney). Do not use longer than 6 weeks. Avoid in kidney disease.
Side Effects: Kidney irritation with prolonged use. Strong uterotonic — abortion risk in pregnancy. GI irritation. Albuminuria with extended use.