Juniper, Common

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Juniperus communis or J. depressa
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Berries/fruits
Chemicals this herb contains:
Alcohols
Alpha-pinene
Cadinene
Camphene
Flavone
Resin (See Glossary)
Sabinal
Sugar
Tannins (See Glossary)
Terpinen
Volatile oils (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Irritates kidneys. May cause hallucinations. Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.

Miscellaneous information:
Provides flavor in gin.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats chronic kidney disorders. Aids in expelling gas from intestinal tract. Causes abortions (miscarriages). Treats colic. Treats flatulence. Helps body dispose of excess fluid by increasing amount of urine produced.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have kidney disease. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dosage.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated slightly dangerous, particularly in children, persons over
55 and those who take larger than appropriate quantities for
extended periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS