Does incomplete digestion trouble you? Have you considered having some juniper berries for your condition? If you are wondering what Juniper berries are, or simply want to know the health benefits of this tiny pinecone, then you have come to the right place!
Go ahead and read this post!
Juniper berries aren’t really berries, but pinecones from the juniper bush. These berries have treated many ailments for centuries and are spices in European and Indian cuisines. Juniper berry extract is steam distilled to make Juniper berry essential oil, which has many health benefits.
Following are some of the main health benefits of juniper berries:
Juniper berries are rich in antioxidants, which not only help eliminate damage-inducing free radicals from the body, but also help boost immunity and prevent cancer. Antioxidants from juniper berries help prevent brain diseases and prevent blood vessel damage (1).
Juniper berries have potent antibacterial properties. Studies on juniper berries highlight their antibacterial properties that aid in inhibiting even those bacteria strains that induce food poisoning (2).
Juniper berries are quite good for the kidneys. They help flush excess toxins from the body and protect the kidneys by acting as a natural diuretic (3).
Juniper berries treat rheumatic pain and arthritis. They also help reduce pain in fragile muscles and joints (4).
Juniper berries have potent anti-inflammatory properties that help treat all sorts of inflammatory disorders, including bronchitis, arthritis, cystitis, etc (5).
Juniper berries help stimulate the digestive process, and are generally good carminative agents. This makes them useful tools for treating stomach problems like bloating, gas, and even constipation. Juniper berries also inhibit intestinal worms (6).
Juniper berries also demonstrate cancer-preventing properties. This makes them effective in preventing some types of cancer. The high antioxidant content of this pinecone also inhibits cancer-causing free radicals (7).
Sometimes this herbal pinecone also finds its use in the treatment of snakebite. In fact, juniper berries were used to treat snakebites by many civilizations (8).
Juniper berries have anti-inflammatory properties, which make them excellent for treating urinary tract infections. The diuretic properties of juniper berries also contribute to this specific characteristic of juniper berries (9).
Juniper is often crushed and used topically to cure skin problems. It is the active ingredient in many cosmetics, like foundation, lipstick, bath oils and eye shadow among other products (10).
Juniper berries can’t all be goody two shoes. They must have some side effects, right? Well, obviously they do. Some of the main side effects of using juniper berries include:
Some people may be allergic to juniper berries and these people could contract allergic reactions like itching, rash, swelling, and difficulty in breathing. Juniper berries can react negatively with lithium, so if you are on lithium medication, avoid juniper berries (11).
If you consume large amounts of juniper berries, chances are you may contract mild toxicity due to the presence of volatile oils like thujone (12). This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea. Excessive doses of juniper berries can also cause convulsions and DNA damage.
There are many ways you can use juniper berries, which include crushing them and rubbing them on meat or adding them to the meat directly. Around 2 to 10 grams of dried juniper berries is the ideal amount you need to consume. You can even make juniper tea by letting the berries steep in hot water.
If you suffer from kidney problems, don’t use too many juniper berries. Just to be safe, consult your doctor before you take any juniper berry supplement.
Now that you know the amazing benefits of juniper berries, remember to share this information with others so that they too can experience the amazing benefits of this pinecone. Also, let us know how this post has helped you. Do comment in the box below!