The Black Sheep Of Berries – Juniper’s Crazy Health Benefits

Don’t judge a berry by its cover – juniper berries will have you questioning the meaning of berries, and life, indefinitely. 

They are bitter, spicy, sharp, and dull. Commonly used as a spice in European cuisine, juniper yields a piney and peppery taste. They are the black sheep of the berry world. Blueberries and raspberries certainly hold no ties with these menacing outliers, neither in taste nor in grit. What they lack in flavour, however, they make up for in medicinal benefits.

If you have ever tried gin, you have likely tasted a juniper berry. They are a common flavouring agent used in the distillation process, where its brisk aroma stems from (1).

There are numerous species of juniper berries, however the most common is Juniperus Communis L. It is a shrub belonging to the cypress tree family, grown primarily in dry sunny hillsides of poor soils and harsh environments (2).

The Juniperus Communis L. has the widest range of distribution of all conifers, and can be found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Although they are usually found in mountainous areas, they can grow at both high and low elevations (3).

Juniper berries have been a source of medicine and cuisine for thousands of years:

• They were used in Egypt in 1500 BCE as a curative for tapeworm infections
• The romans used them as a cheaper alternative for pepper
• The Greeks even gave it to their Olympic athletes for increased stamina (1, 8)

Oh yes, ancient civilizations were very aware of this mighty berry. Nowadays, we have the technology to prove the benefits that these societies were testifying to!

Here are 7 Reasons why you should try juniper. 

 

1. α–Pinene

The principal constituent of juniper berries, responsible for the majority of their health benefits, is α–pinene .

Traditionally, cone berries were used to treat dyspepsia, acute & chronic cystitis, artiosclerosis and gout. These benefits are the result of α–pinene’s presence (4).

The list of supporting benefits pertaining to α–pinene extends to:

• Pancreatitis
• Muscle pain
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Inflammation
• Bacteria
• Skin Health (4)

2. Anti-Cancer

It is necessary to discuss α–pinene’s role in cancer prevention. Its potent level of activity found in juniper berries has the potential to suppress the growth of tumours and lesions (6).

Additionally, juniper berries inhibit critical genes of cancer pathways. It is anti-proliferative and apoptotic towards cancer cells, suppressing their growth and spread (7).

Specifically, research suggests that juniper essential oil causes cell apoptosis (death) against p53 (tumour cell) and neuroblastoma (cancer in nerve tissue). This is resulted from its high content of antioxidants that are comprised among a multitude of flavonoids and polyphenols (14).

 

3. Immunomodulator 

Immunomodulation is the process in which an immune response is triggered by a microorganism that alters the state of the entire immune system.

Juniper berries are reported to possess microorganisms that correct the immune system in a beneficial manner (10).

Juniper essential oil has been documented to inhibit the production of macrophage colony-stimulation – a molecule that interferes with the regular functions of the immune system (7).

In doing so, it builds a wall of resistance to external environmental conditions and reduces the likeliness of becoming sick.

 

4. Anti-Inflammation

An experiment consisting of inflamed human skin cells, in a dermal fibroblast cell system, found that juniper essential oil showed a significant diminishment of inflammation over a short period of time (7).

A further study shows that an oral dose of dry 80%-ethanolic extract of Juniper at 100 mg/Kg reduced edema (swelling) symptoms by 60% (8).

In conjunction with Juniper’s inflammation and immunomodulatory properties, oil extract from the berry effectively heals wounds and scares (9, 12).

Unfortunately, the majority of results documenting this were made on animal testing. Indeed it is not especially a moral investigation, however the study below did meet with the European Ethical Standards of lab testing animals.

An experiment performed on seven rats throughout a period of ten days recognized that oils obtained by juniper species oxycedrus and phoenica had exceptional wound-healing properties.

Surgical insertions were made on each rat at the beginning of the experiment, and a topical ointment was subsequently applied each consecutive day. The positive results on this study were based on the anti-inflammatory traits that juniper possesses, which are necessary to decrease the healing period of afflicted pains and scars (9).

In addition, juniper is reported to provide pain relief from sore joints caused by arthritis and swelling (12).

 

5. Anti-Microbial

Juniper berries in particular work extraordinarily well as anti-bacteria agents. The leaf extracts of the pseudo-fruit are effective against most pathogenic bacteria, and compare well to standard antibiotics (5).

The anti-septic properties of juniper may also be useful in the treatment of severe bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, according to the Shiraz university of Medical Sciences (12). 

A study comprising sixteen bacterial species, seven yeast-like fungi, three yeast and four dermatophyte species were used to test the antimicrobial activity of juniper essential oil.

Of 30 different bacteria and fungi, only 3 species were resistant to the essential oil. Interestingly the fungi species were much more susceptible than the bacteria to the essential oil, however both displayed sensitive reactions. The results derive from Juniper’s antimicrobial constituents of pinenes, sabinene, mirecene and limonene (11).

 

6. Skin Care 

When topically applied, juniper essential oil can treat a variety of skin conditions, such as:

• Athletes foot
• Acne
• Psoriasis
• Dandruff
• Eczema
• Wounds & infections (12)

7. Diuretic

As a powerful diuretic, juniper berries increase the flow of urine that cleanses the body of excess fluids while stimulating the kidneys. They flush out uric acid as well as excess crystals that are linked to various diseases. Thus, they are remarkably effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections (13).

Richard Whelan, a medical professional in herbal health, suggests that juniper berries are one of the best natural medicines for strengthening the kidneys. He relays the message:

 

“Most people know to associate their liver health with the cleanliness of their blood, but less people realize that in their own way the kidneys are just as crucial to keeping everything clean”

 

He proceeds to explain the role of the kidneys, indicating that they are the part of the body that holds the drive, the will, and the determination of a person. Juniper helps to release fears associated with the kidneys, as they are often held “deep down in the waters of the body” (8).

Biologically speaking, juniper is a gastric stimulant. It is especially valuable for uncomplicated renal hyperemia (excess blood in the kidneys) and irritation of the bladder.

Moreover, it stimulates bile flow and the production of digestive enzymes.  This enhances nutrient absorption and breaks down food more easily. Juniper’s digestive benefits encompass the treatments of:

• Upset stomachs
• Colitis
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Loss of appetite
• Intestinal worms (8, 13)

Caution

I should mention that some research indicates that juniper berries may cause an overstimulation to the kidneys. However, this should not deter you from consuming them entirely (15, 16).

Nonetheless, their potency is underestimated and should not be over-indulged in any particular manner. Be cautious of the amount consumed.

Conclusion

Juniper is a powerful stimulant. Oil extractions have documented significant results on suppressing inflammation, bacteria, cancer and damaged skin.

Most notably, the herb illustrates incredible results regarding its diuretic properties of the digestive system and the kidneys. However I must warn you, over my research I have found several accounts of individuals over-consuming the berries.

Over-consumption may render heavy irritation of the bladder and kidney, and I do not recommended taking it if you are pregnant or under the age of 12.

With that being said, the silver lining of juniper certainly outweighs its detriments. I do not write them to scare you away, but merely to inform. Juniper is a remarkable herb and I highly recommend its use in moderation.