Juniper Berries - JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS
(Whole) (Organic) Available in 1 OZ.
OVERVIEW
The juniper is an evergreen tree native to Europe, Asia, and the northern parts of North America and it is especially abundant in central Texas and Eastern Oregon. The history and folklore concerning the juniper tree is long reaching. The first recorded mention of use is in an Egyptian papyrus from 1500 B.C.E. Juniper was the symbol of the Canaanites fertility goddess Ashera. Western European folklore tells that is a juniper tree is planted by the door to your home, a witch cannot enter. Juniper incense has also been used by the Scottish to ward off the evil eye, and by the Tibetans to remove demons. The purple, blue, violet, or blackish-brown fruits are harvested in early autumn for culinary and medicinal use.
PARTS USED
The berries, whole, ground, or rubbed through a sieve. To prevent loss of essential oil, juniper berries should not be ground, crushed, or rubbed until just before use. The herb is frequently combined with birch leaf, horsetail, parsley "seed," or restharrow in herbal diuretic teas.
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS
May be taken as a tea, extract or capsule, and may be liberally sprinkled on food or added to drinks and smoothies.
SUMMARY
Today, the best known use of juniper berries is the main flavoring agent in gin.
PRECAUTIONS
Specific: Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Use with caution in persons with inflammatory kidney disease. Not for use exceeding six weeks in succession. Processed in a facility that also produces tree nuts. Tree nut fragments may be occasionally present.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.