Information on Juniper Berries

Juniper berries have a rich history of use in medicines and alcoholic beverages. They have even carved out a place in mythology as a plant capable of vanquishing evil. The distinctly sharp flavor of the berries has earned the plant a place in the culinary community and its diuretic properties have earned it a place in herbal medicines.

The Plant

• The juniper shrub is a member of the cypress and conifer family of plants. Juniper berries are not actually berries; they are the ripe cones of the juniper shrub. These "berries" are a bright dynamic blue that makes the plant a favorite in woodland-type gardens.

Growing Junipers

• Junipers are hearty shrubs that will grow steadily even in poor soil conditions. They do not require much, but they do not tolerate overly wet or boggy environments well. The only time this plant will need daily watering is during the first year. The ideal soil for a juniper will provide good drainage to prevent root rot.

Mythology

• During the Middle Ages, juniper berries were believed to keep evil away. The plant was used to ward away such things as curses and disease. It was thought that the smell of juniper was unsavory to witches. Native Americans used juniper berries to cleanse the body and ward off infection.

Uses

• The juniper berry is used as a diuretic or "water pill." It is often used to cleanse the kidneys by quickly expelling the their contents. Because of its diuretic properties, this berry is used as a home remedy for treating and preventing bladder infections.

  Juniper berries are used to produce gin. Gin is a shortened version of "genever" which is Dutch for juniper. Gin is believed to have originated in Holland in the 1580s. It made its appearance in the United States during the colonial era (see link in References).

  Juniper berries also serve a culinary purpose. These berries are used to enhance the flavor of meats and soups. Their bittersweet flavor also makes them a favorite flavoring for sauerkraut.

Caution

• Pregnant women should never consume anything containing juniper berries. Juniper berries have been used in the past to stimulate menstruation and to induce labor. Juniper berries have been found to cause miscarriage in rats (see link in References).

  Exercise caution when combining juniper berries with the psychoactive drug lithium. A dangerous level of dehydration may result from this combination (see link in References).