Family Name: Cupressaceae
Botanical Name(s): Juniperus Communis
Popular Name(s): Juniper Berries, Juniper Bush and Juniper Bark
Parts Used: Dried fruits
Habitat: Dry places in the northern United States, Canada and
Kamchatka.
Description: Juniper is an upright spreading shrub with
red-brown, papery bark and juvenile foliage only, consisting of whorls
of three sharply pointed, dark green to blue-green leaves that have a
single white stripe on the inner surface. Tiny male cones and globose
female cones are borne on separate plants, followed by spherical green
fruits on the female plants that ripen to black over three years.
Uses: Oil of Juniper is given as a diuretic, stomachic and
carminative in indigestion, flatulence and diseases of the kidney and
bladder. The berries are used to flavor pickling brine, sauerkraut,
stuffing's, game, ham and pork. Juniper extracts are used to flavor gin,
beer and liquors. Great for toning congested skin with blocked pores and
fighting acne, eczema, and psoriasis as well as skin inflammations.
