Juniper for cystitis, urethritis and joint pain
Common Juniper, Juniperus communis, and Dwarf Juniper, Juniperus communis nana, are both used in the same ways medicinally. They are evergreen trees, both of which can reach a height of 12m (40′), eventually, and bear a superficial resemblance to the yew (which is poisonous), especially when small, but the bluish-black juniper berries are completely different from the bright red, rather strange looking yew berries.
Juniper can be propagated by sowing seed in Spring, or from cuttings, but as it is so slow growing, you may be best buying a plant from a nursery. There are male and female forms, so make sure to buy a plant with berries on – or you may get a male, which is no use for herbal medicine. Juniper likes a position in full sun or semi-shade and tolerates drought well. It prefers neutral or slightly alkaline soil, and will grow in poor chalky soil or heavy clay soil.
Juniper is not suitable for use by pregnant women. It is not suitable for use by anyone suffering from a kidney disorder.
Make a standard infusion from 1 teaspoonful of lightly crushed berries to 240ml (1 US cup, 8 fl oz) boiling water, and allow to stand for 10 minutes, then strain for use. This can be used at a dose of 1-2 cups a day to treat cystitis and urethritis, indigestion, flatulence (“gas“) or (“wind“) and colic, rheumatism and arthritis. You can also use it externally to treat muscle and joint pain – the essential oil, mixed with a carrier such as grape seed or sweet almond oil can be used in the same way.
Do not continue internal use for more than 6 weeks at a time.
As with all herbs and plants used for herbal medicine, juniper should be grown organically to avoid contamination by foreign chemical compounds. To find out more about growing organic juniper visit the Gardenzone.
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