What is the Juniper Berry?
The Juniper berry isn’t actually a type of fruit; it’s just one in a long line of female seed cones on this tricky-to-identify coniferous plant. Juniper is a short to medium-height tree that grows wild in some parts of Europe, North America and Asia. There are many varieties but the most common type out there for us Americans is the Juniperus communis or “the Common Juniper.” The small brown objects we call “berries” are really nothing more than what remains after all those tasty chemicals have been removed from inside them – which means there’s no need for worry about whether or not these babies will make us gain weight! In fact, junipers can be eaten raw to cleanse your system and promote good health.
How is Juniper Berry Used?
Juniper berries have been used for centuries as a natural remedy. People consume the berries to make medicine, which includes extracts from juniper berry or oil distilled from its wood and leaves- not cadeolus camphora (Juniperus oxycedrus). Junipers are good at treating upset stomachs, heartburn/bloating issues such as those stemming from diarrhea, digestive problems with no known cause like irritable bowel syndrome symptoms that can involve nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
Juniper is widely used in the kitchen. It can be found as a condiment and flavoring ingredient, like gin or bitter preparation for foods such as beer. The essential oil of juniper also has many healing properties that have been discovered since ancient times to treat diseases from bronchitis all the way up into your nose!
What are the benefits of the berry?
Juniper berries can provide a number of health benefits for you and your body.
- Rich in antioxidants & helps prevent disease
The Juniper contains antioxidants, vitamin C or polyphenolic compounds which give protection from free radicals in our environment. Along with these powerful antioxidant properties there are other ways juniper berries help keep us healthy such as reducing heart disease and cancer risks too!
- Supports kidney function
The berries can also help keep your kidneys healthy. Modern herbalists use juniper berry diuretics as part of their herbal formulas, which they make to treat infections in the bladder and other parts near it like ureteric organs or kidney disease – all thanks for those who produce essential oils! The oil from these plants has been shown not only to increase filtration rates but volume too; meaning more urine being produced-and better cleansing because there’s less time spent on trying to sharpen things up with diuretics alone (which are mostly just Volatile Oils anyway).
- Works to aid digestion
Juniper berries are used in folk medicine to alleviate digestive issues and can also help with weight loss. The diuretic effect of juniper berry means that it will reduce bloating, while enhancing the flow-of fluids throughout your body – improving digestion as well!Other benefits of the Juniper are but not limited to promoting healthy skin and improving skin conditions, aiding healthy sleep, natural anti-inflammatory and helping the heart stay healthy.
Conclusion
The Juniper berry has 45 variations, most common for use being the Juniperus communis. It’s a popular ingredient in cooking and natural medicine herb that also serves as an essential oil with many health benefits to serve your body from head-to toe!