Its use by indigenous cultures is pervasive, and scores of scientific studies have upheld its historical use. It was often burned to ward off evil spirits and the plague. Since ancient times, juniper has been used by every culture for purifying and ritual cleansing, especially in temples. The berries are used in gin production, leading to its distinctive taste. Juniper is also known as genvier, the term from which the word “gin” is derived. Juniperus is the old Latin name for evergreen trees or shrubs. The berry fruits are gathered when ripe in the autumn. Their flavor is stronger the farther south the plant is grown. These berries are borne only on the female bush and can be found in various stages of ripeness on the same plant. It is cultivated mainly for its berries which take up to three years to ripen, changing from green to silvery-purple. From late spring to early summer, it bears small yellow male flowers and blue female flowers on separate plants. It is a slow-growing coniferous evergreen with slender twigs and whorls of silvery-green, spiny needles. The juniper is a low, prickly bush or shrubby tree that grows to between four and fifty feet high. Juniper is found in Europe, southwestern Asia up to the Himalayas, and North America, where it grows from southern coastal areas to more northerly moorland and mountainous regions. Longterm use of juniper may irritate the kidneys, so should not be used for more than six weeks at a time without a break.
It is contraindicated in those with kidney disease or kidney infection.ĭo not take if prone to heavy menstrual bleeding, as it increases the flow.ĭo not take essential oil internally, except under professional guidance. Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar, Red Cedar, Cedar Tree, Juniper, Juniper Bush, Savin, Evergreem Cedar Apple, Virginia Red Cedar)ĭo not use during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant.Juniperus communis (Juniper Berry, Common juniper, Drooping Juniper, Mexican Juniper, Horse Savin, Ginepro, Spanish: Enebro, Bellota de Sabina/Sabino, Guata).
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