Juniper Berry 4:1

Botanical: Juniperus communis
Family: Cupressaceae (cypress) - Coniferae (conifer)

Other common names:  Common Juniper, Ginepro, Enebro, Ground Juniper, Hackmatack, Horse Savin

Juniper Berry is used to support healthy kidney and urinary tract function and to promote healthy blood pressure.  It is often found in natural formulas designed to promote regularity.  As a diuretic, Juniper Berry is used to eliminate excess water retention, which may contribute to weight loss.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Juniper Berries grown on the Juniper shrub or small tree that grows to a height of four to six feet and is widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere.  Juniper Berries take two or three years to ripen, and as a result, both blue and green berries occur on the same plant at the same time.  Only the blue, ripe berries are picked. Herbal uses of Juniper Berry dates back to early Greek and Arabian physicians.  During the Bubonic Plague, cautious people kept a few berries in their mouths to produce an antiseptic aura and prevent infection.  Juniper tea was once used to disinfect surgeon's tools, and the berries were also used as a food and a medicine by the Indians of the American plains. Historically, many conditions have been treated with Juniper Berries by several cultures, including gout, warts and skin growths, upset stomach, malignant diseases and various urinary tract and kidney diseases.  In addition to their use in herbology, the berries have been used as a flavoring agent in gin and luncheon meats.  The primary chemical constituents of this herb include essential oil (camphene, cineole, myrcene, pinene, terpinene), sesquiterpenes (cadinene, elemene), flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, podophyllotoxin and vitamin C.  Today, Juniper Berries are considered beneficial for treating infections, especially within the urinary tract, bladder, kidneys and prostate.

Their antiseptic properties help remove waste and acidic toxins from the body, stimulating a fighting action against bacterial and yeast infections.  Juniper Berries also help increase the flow of digestive fluids, improving digestion and eliminating gas and stomach cramping. As a diuretic, Juniper Berries eliminate excess water retention, which may contribute to water weight loss.  Juniper Berries' anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for relieving pain and inflammation related to rheumatism and arthritis.  In addition, Juniper Berries are thought to be beneficial for reducing congestion and relieving asthma and colds.  Juniper Berry is considered an excellent antiseptic in conditions, such as cystitis.  But the essential oil present in this herb is quite stimulating to the kidney nephrons, and so Juniper should be avoided by those suffering from kidney disease.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes for a four (4) to six (6) week period. Then discontinue use for at least two (2) weeks prior to re-starting product usage. Continue product use alternating between 4-6 weeks of use and followed by 2 weeks of non-use.

Contraindications:

Pregnant women should not use Juniper Berry, because it stimulates the uterus and may cause abortion.  The USFDA does not recommend this herb as safe, and prolonged use (more than a month) is not recommended, as it may cause kidney damage.  If kidney disease is suspected, Juniper berries may over-stimulate the kidneys and adrenals and should be avoided.  Those with kidney disease or acute kidney infection should avoid this herb.  Juniper should not be used in cases of heavy menstrual flow, and the herb may interfere with the absorption of iron and other minerals. Some people may have allergic responses to Junipers.

Capsule Information:
Our Juniper Berry supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.