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Juniperus communis

Caution🐾

Gemeiner Wacholder · (Juniperus communis)

Cypress family (Cupressaceae)

Description

Whether as a pungent game spice or as the flavour that gives gin its name, the blue-black berry cones of common juniper are best known in the kitchen. Medicinally they contain an essential oil rich in monoterpenes along with flavonoids, invert sugars and tannins. An infusion of crushed berries has a positive Kommission E assessment for mild dyspeptic complaints and is traditionally used to support treatment of bladder and urinary tract infections; a juniper berry bath is also folk-medicinally credited with improving circulation in rheumatic complaints. Duration matters here: juniper preparations should not be used for more than four to six weeks without a break, since the terpenes they contain can irritate the kidneys with prolonged use, and the plant is contraindicated in existing kidney disease. If urinary symptoms occur together with fever, flank pain or blood in the urine, medical attention should be sought promptly, as these can signal an infection requiring treatment.

  • TeaFruitInternalCommission E

    Kommission-E-positive infusion of crushed juniper berries for mild dyspeptic complaints and adjunctive irrigation in bladder/urinary tract infections.

    Preparation & dosage

    INFUSION (Kommission E preparation): 2 g freshly crushed juniper berries (approx. 1 level tsp) in 150 ml boiling water, covered, steep 10 min, strain. 3× daily between meals. Daily dose: 6 g crude drug. Indication: mild dyspeptic complaints (flatulence, bloating, sluggish digestion) and adjunctively for urinary tract infections (irrigation — not antibiotic therapy). Limit use to 4 weeks; seek medical advice for persistent urinary symptoms. Not for inflammatory kidney disease or pregnancy.

    Dry amount
    2–2 g
    Doses per day
    3×
    Max duration
    4 weeks

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults only — insufficient data for children/adolescents under 18.

    Sources: [1] [2] [3]

  • TinctureFruitInternalTraditional use

    Traditional juniper berry tincture for digestive complaints, flatulence and appetite loss — alternative to tea when ethanol is acceptable.

    Preparation & dosage

    TINCTURE (1:5 in 40–60 % ethanol): 1–2 ml (~20–40 drops) 3× daily, diluted in water, before meals. Traditional use for digestive complaints, flatulence, loss of appetite. Do not use for more than 4 weeks without medical advice. Contraindicated in kidney disease, pregnancy, or alcohol dependency.

    Liquid amount
    1–2 ml
    Doses per day
    3×
    Max duration
    4 weeks

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults only. Due to ethanol content, avoid in alcohol dependency or liver disease.

    Sources: [2] [3] [4]

  • BathFruitExternalTraditional use

    Folk juniper berry bath additive for external use in rheumatic complaints and to stimulate peripheral circulation.

    Preparation & dosage

    BATH ADDITIVE: Simmer 20–30 g crushed juniper berries (or 50 ml juniper berry decoction) in 1 litre of water for 20 min, strain and add to bathwater (37–38 °C, max. 20 min bath). Folk external use for rheumatic complaints, tired joints and skin circulation. Not for open wounds, eczema or hypersensitivity to juniper constituents. Do not drink the bath additive.

    Dry amount
    20–30 g
    Doses per day
    1×
    Max duration
    2 weeks

    Sources: [4] [5] [6]

  • Essential oilFruitInternalTraditional use

    Juniper berry essential oil (Juniperi aetheroleum) — traditionally used internally at medical dose for dyspeptic complaints; externally diluted for massage.

    Preparation & dosage

    ESSENTIAL OIL (Juniperi aetheroleum): Use only pharmaceutical-grade standardised oil. Traditional internal use: 1–2 drops (~0.02–0.1 g) on a sugar cube or in honey, 3× daily — only at medically recommended dose. Indication: dyspeptic complaints. The oil contains 60–80 % monoterpenes (α-pinene dominant), contributing to secretolytic and aquaretic effect. Do NOT self-medicate with undiluted oil — incorrect dosing is strongly irritating and can damage kidneys. Externally (massage, bath): 1–3 % dilution in carrier oil — avoid on sensitive skin.

    Doses per day
    3×
    Max duration
    4 weeks

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults only. Never use undiluted essential oil on children — risk of severe irritation.

    Sources: [2] [3] [4]

  • SpiceFruitInternalFolk medicine

    Juniper berry as classic game spice — the primary flavouring of gin and genever; traditionally used in German and Scandinavian cuisine for sauerkraut and venison dishes.

    Preparation & dosage

    KITCHEN: Fully ripe blue juniper berries (harvested Oct–Nov, ripened 2–3 years after flowering), lightly crushed and used as spice. Typical uses: game (venison, wild boar), sauerkraut, red cabbage, brines and marinades, dark sauces, Northern European and Scandinavian cuisine. Usual amount: 3–6 berries per serving; do not overdose — aromas are intense. Also the main flavouring of gin, genever and juniper brandy. Do not eat large quantities raw — 6–10 g fresh berries can be toxic (total monoterpene/essential oil load).

    Sources: [6] [7] [8]

  • InhalationFruitExternalFolk medicine

    Folk inhalation with juniper essential oil for colds and bronchial catarrh — mucolytic action via monoterpenes (α-pinene, sabinene).

    Preparation & dosage

    INHALATION: Add 1–2 drops of juniper essential oil to hot water (~60–70 °C, not boiling), cover head with towel and inhale steam for 5–10 min. Folk use for colds, bronchial catarrh and to loosen mucus. Keep eyes closed during inhalation — the oil strongly irritates mucous membranes. Do not use for asthma or whooping cough. Menthol/pinene-containing inhalations are generally contraindicated in children under 6 (laryngospasm risk).

    Sources: [5] [6]

  • TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine

    Folk needle tea from young juniper shoots — mildly aquaretic and traditionally used for rheumatic complaints; low level of scientific evidence.

    Preparation & dosage

    NEEDLE TEA (folk): 1–2 tsp fresh juniper needles (young, light-green annual shoots, not old woody twigs) in 200 ml hot water, covered, steep 8–10 min, strain. Max 2× daily, no longer than 2 weeks. Folk use as mildly aquaretic tea and for rheumatic complaints. Considerably less documented phytotherapeutically than berry preparations — no Kommission E approval for needles. Not in pregnancy, kidney disease or for children.

    Dry amount
    1–2 g
    Doses per day
    2×
    Max duration
    2 weeks

    Sources: [5] [6] [7]

Distribution in Europe

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