Background

Juniper is an evergreen tree found in Europe, North America, and Asia. There are many varieties, but Juniperus communis is most common in North America.

Juniper berries contain chemicals that might decrease swelling. It might also have antibacterial effects and increase the need to urinate.

People use juniper for cancer, diabetes, gas, indigestion, kidney stones, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse juniper with cade, which is commonly called cade juniper or oil of juniper. These are not the same.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Juniper is commonly consumed in foods. But it is likely unsafe when used as medicine in doses larger than 10 grams of juniper berries (about 60 berries) or 100 mg of juniper oil, or when used for more than 4 weeks. It might cause kidney problems, seizures, and other serious side effects. There isn't enough reliable information to know if taking juniper berries or oil in lower doses or for a shorter time is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Juniper is possibly safe when used on small sections of healthy skin. Side effects might include skin irritation.

When inhaled: Juniper is possibly safe when inhaled appropriately as aromatherapy.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: Juniper is unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or while trying to become pregnant. Juniper has effects that might interfere with fertility or cause a miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if juniper is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Stomach and intestinal disorders: Juniper berry might irritate the stomach and intestines, making stomach and intestinal conditions worse.

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.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of juniper might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Lithium

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Juniper might have an effect like a "water pill." Taking juniper might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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.

Water pills (Diuretic drugs)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Juniper seems to work like "water pills." Taking juniper along with "water pills" might increase the side effects from "water pills."

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Juniper might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.