Juniper Berries

Juniper berries come our way through the pine family. Interestingly enough it takes three years for the berries to ripen from pink to dark purple when they are harvested. The Native American Indians and Egyptians used juniper berries for many remedies. Most of these remedies were passed down through the years. Juniper has detoxifying properties that treat a host of issues from urinary tract infections, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. Used in formulas, juniper berries work with other herbs to relieve congestion in the presence of a cold and improve breathing. It also helps in other formulas like kidney cleanses and other formulas where cleansing is needed. The Egyptians used juniper berries in a bath to treat arthritis. Nicholas Culpeper our 16th-century herbalist, physician, and astrologer claimed “They strengthen the brain exceedingly, help the memory, fortify the sight by strengthening the optic nerves, are excellently good in all argues, help with gout and sciatica, and strengthen the limbs of the body.”

Juniper Berries can be hard on your kidneys if used for a long period of time. If you suffer from kidney disease do not ingest Juniper.