Can a human eat juniper berries?
Juniper berries are a common ingredient in foods and some drinks. The berries come from the juniper tree. They can be used whole or ground as a cooking ingredient. Fresh or dry, juniper berries have a strong flavor, so use them in moderation. Just a few berries, coarsely ground in a mortar with a pestle, are enough to flavor an entire batch of sauerkraut. They also make a great glaze for cookies and a super-simple fermented beverage called smreka.Today, there are many medicinal uses for juniper berries. Primarily, this herb continues to be used as a diuretic. These berries can be used to get your kidneys to work more efficiently, which will stimulate your urinary passages.Juniper may lower sugar levels excessively. Use with caution if you have blood pressure problems. Juniper may have effects on blood pressure and make its control more difficult. Topical application of juniper oil may cause irritation, burning, redness and/or swelling in some people.Like most coniferous plants, junipers contain volatile oils. These chemicals can cause a juniper to produce intense heat from over 50 feet away. We recommend removing ornamental junipers, as well as other flammable species such as cypress and arborvitae, within 30 feet of your house.Certain varieties of juniper berry contain safe, low amounts of Thujone, while other varieties contain high levels and can make you very sick. The common juniper, Juniperus communis, is the variety most often used to make gin, medicines and food dishes, as it is considered safe for human consumption.
What are the health benefits of juniper?
juniper berries contain plant compounds like flavonoid antioxidants, volatile oils, and coumarins. The volatile oils in juniper berries contain substances known as monoterpenes. Research has shown these to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The common juniper, juniperus communis, is the variety most often used to make gin, medicines, and food dishes, as it is considered safe for human consumption.Protection and Purification: Juniper has long been used in spiritual rituals to ward off negative energy. Burning its branches or berries is said to purify spaces and protect against harm, making it a powerful guardian in both the physical and spiritual realms.Stick to varieties that are known to be safe, such as common juniper and eastern red cedar. Common juniper is the species with the widest range of historical and modern use, and the most-researched. The use of berries and leaves of this plant are well-documented and widely considered safe.Juniper possesses depurative and vulnerary properties that contribute to the regeneration of the liver. By aiding in the function of the liver and gallbladder, it promotes hepatic health and alleviates portal congestion, thereby preventing the development of decompensatory sequelae associated with these conditions.
What’s so special about juniper?
It is for its culinary, medicinal and ritual properties that juniper is best known. The first two of these properties relate to the juniper’s berries. Strictly speaking these are in fact tiny fleshy cones. They can be crushed and ground for use, as one would do with a peppercorn, as well as pressed for any juice. Juniper possesses depurative and vulnerary properties that contribute to the regeneration of the liver. By aiding in the function of the liver and gallbladder, it promotes hepatic health and alleviates portal congestion, thereby preventing the development of decompensatory sequelae associated with these conditions.As a diuretic, the herb stimulates the kidneys and bladder to get rid of retained and excess water (possibly also helping to treat obesity). Juniper increases the filtering of waste products by the kidneys and helps to expel prostate sediment and gallstones. It is also thought to dissolve kidney stones.
Is juniper good for diabetes?
Juniper might lower blood sugar levels. Taking juniper along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure were decreased by inhalation of juniper essential oil. High frequency (HF) power level, an indicator of parasympathetic nervous system activity was increased in the stimulation of juniper essential oil.High blood pressure, low blood pressure: Juniper berry might affect blood pressure and could make blood pressure control more difficult. Surgery: Juniper might affect blood sugar levels, making blood sugar control more difficult during and after surgery. Stop using juniper at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
What does the Bible say about juniper trees?
Juniper is mentioned four times, twice in 1 Kings 19:4 (KJV) where Elijah sat down under the Juniper tree; once in Job 30:4, where in the wilderness, Juniper roots were dug up for food; and in Psalm 120:4 “sharp arrows, with coals of Juniper. The Heb. Arab. In the Old Testament, a juniper with an angelic presence sheltered the prophet Elijah from Queen Jezebel’s pursuit. A later Christian tale tells of how the infant Jesus and his parents were hidden from King Herod’s soldiers by a juniper during their flight into Egypt.