Juniper Berries: Health Benefits, Uses & Medicinal Properties

Juniper berries are harvested from the juniper shrub, found throughout the northern hemisphere. You can eat them whole or in capsule form or use them to make a tea or an oil compound.

Digestive Benefits

• Juniper berries relieve symptoms of indigestion, including upset stomach, and regulate stomach acid levels.

Anti-Inflammatory/Antiseptic Benefits

• Juniper berries reduce inflammation on the skin and in the joints, making them useful as an alternative treatment for psoriasis and arthritis. You can use juniper berry oil on sores to prevent bacteria growth.

Diabetic Benefits

• Juniper berries contain high levels of insulin that may help pancreatic function in diabetics.

Warnings

• Uterine contractions may develop in pregnant women who ingest or use juniper berries topically. Kidney irritation may result if you take excessive amounts of juniper berries, according to Vitamins-Supplements.org.

Interactions

• Juniper berries act as a natural diuretic and you should use caution when taking them in addition to other diuretic medications. Vitamins-Supplements.org warns that ingesting juniper berries may prevent proper absorption of iron by the body.