July/August 2010 - Dogs Naturally Magazine

y: Erika Phillips
Juniper
Common Juniper – Juniperus communis, also known as Geneva.
This small shrub like tree can be found throughout
North America, Europe, Asia, southern Artic, the Himalayas,
Atlas and Caucasus mountains.
Native Americans used juniper for it’s childbearing properties
as Juniper berries promotes uterine recovery after
childbirth. Native Americans also used it to treat infections
and for arthritis.
It was also found by early Americans to be useful for congestive
heart failure, eczema and psoriasis. As a tincture it
was used to treat, although disputed, gonorrhea, bladder
and kidney infections, and other genitourinary problems.
Today Juniper is used effectively as an antiseptic, for bladder
infections, arthritis, intestinal cramps and gout.
Of course the largest use for juniper is the drink “Gin”. Discovered
by the Dutch in the 17 th century, the word Gin
comes from the word Geniver, the Dutch word for Juniper.
Juniper’s aromatic oil contains the diuretic chemical Terpinenforol,
this oil increases the fluid filtering rate of the
kidneys.
Juniper is effective in reducing blood pressure but should
be done under medical supervision because of potentially
harmful side effects.
In animal studies, juniper stimulates uterine contractions
and can be used to replace Oxytocin to expel retained placentas
as well as to aid in uterine inertia confirming what
early Americans believed.
Because Juniper is a diuretic, it helps reduce bloating and
premenstrual difficulties.
There are side effects to be aware with juniper. They include,
in high doses, kidney damage, irritation and impairment.
Juniper should not be taken for longer than 6 weeks
at a time..
Overdose symptoms include diarrhea, protein in the urine,
pain in the kidney region, elevated blood pressure, purple
urine, blood in the urine, intestinal cramps. Stop using it
right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
It is important to note that Juniper has over 60 species belonging
to this species and it is possible to mistake the common
juniper to the highly toxic Juniper Sabin L. However
the berries are different in shape.
The most effective way to use Juniper is as an infusion of
dried or fresh crushed berries. 1 cup boiling water to 1 tsp
of the berries.
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