When it comes to superfoods, berries are on top of the list simply because they are filled with helpful antioxidants. One such berry that can help you a great deal is the juniper berry and over the years, scientific research has shown what a miracle it is.
Botanically discussing, the juniper berry is not an actual fruit but the juniper plant’s seed cone. It’s considered as a berry because of its scales. The juniper is an evergreen tree and there are apparently 6 species of this tree whose berries are edible and used for a lot of advantageous uses.
Juniper berries are widely used in European cooking, particularly meat based foods as it gives a unique flavor. Gin lovers also might be stunned to learn that juniper berries are the main ingredient in gin. But the juniper berry is most well known for its reputation as a herbal solution for an amazingly long list of conditions and ailments.
How it helps
The juniper is indeed a beneficial tree as most of its parts are used for many sort of medicinal preparation or the other. So, the berries, leaves, bark and even oil derived from the berries and wood are used in various ways.
Essentially a bitter tasting berry, the juniper berry contains numerous volatile oils or essential oils, fiber, vitamin C, flavonoids and whole lot of active ingredients that makes it the breakthrough healer that it is. Note that juniper berries can be taken in the form of teas and the crushed berries can be applied topically also for a variety of diseases.
Here is a glimpse at some of the uses of the juniper berry and how it can aid us lead healthier lives:
* Juniper is regarded to be a herb with the most amazing effects on kidneys. It is also used to cure many urinary tract infections and it can remove uric acid from the body. Juniper makes the kidneys work quickly and the body produces more urine, making it an excellent diuretic also.
* People facing water retention problems can feel a lot of relief with the juniper berry and its oil because of its diuretic properties.
* Oil from the juniper berry has an antiseptic effect and it comes as a great relief to people suffering from urethritis and cystitis.
* Suffering from digestive problems? The juniper berry might just be your solution as it can help reduce flatulence and colic and help digestion. It also eases problems such as belching, bloating and heartburn. As a digestive support, it’s excellent as it relieves gas, increases the appetite and increases the production of gastric acid.
* The juniper berry also has anti-inflammatory properties and it is of great help to those suffering from gout, arthritis and other diseases such as rheumatism. These joint related ailments occur because of the fluid retention around these joints and the juniper berry with its diuretic action relieves this pressure significantly.
* Skin ailments such as acne, dandruff and athlete’s foot can also be treated with topical application of the juniper berry.
* Juniper helps in refreshing the muscle tone and considerably reducing the effects of ageing for most people.
* Menstrual cramps are often many of the most troublesome aspects of a woman’s life, but these can also be reduced significantly with the help of the juniper berry. Some herbalists even use the juniper to improve the uterus tone and to help those who have slow or late starting periods.
* Concentrated oils of the juniper are used on the skin for lung congestion and coughs while it is also important in helping those suffering from respiratory infections. The volatile oils help in clearing up bronchial passages and removing mucus.
* It has a high concentration of insulin and helps in healing the pancreas.
* Essential oils derived from juniper berries can aid in relieving toothache and making gums stronger. It can also be used to control hair fall.
* Lastly, the juniper berry is used by many to lose weight and since it even cleanses the toxins from the body, it is a great overall purifier also.
Tips
The juniper berry does have many significant side effects and it’s important that you are aware of them before you begin using them as any form of treatment.
* Avoid the juniper berry if you have severe kidney problems as it can aggravate the problem and cause further damage.
* If you use more than the prescribed amount, chances are that you could suffer from diarrhea, kidney pain, high blood pressure, fast heartbeat and purplish urine.
* When taken internally, it can impact the absorption of iron and many other minerals.
* Open wounds are best not treated with juniper because it can cause discomfort and swelling.
* Juniper causes uterine spasms and could lead to lowered fertility, so women who are attempting to get pregnant should avoid juniper.
* Pregnant women should not use juniper as it can cause uterine contractions and cause an abortion.
* Diabetics must be careful while using juniper as it can raise the levels of glucose in the body.
The juniper berry when taken in advisable amounts and with people who do not have the indicated problems as mentioned above, can be a godsend as it provides them with a lot of relief.
