Juniperus communis

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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).

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