Juniper berry is the seed cone of the Juniper tree. It is commony used as a spice in European cuisine, and also gives gin its distinctive flavor.

Juniper berries are used more commonly in northern European and particularly Scandinavian cuisine to flavor meat dishes, especially wild birds and game meats. They are also commonly used in pork, cabbage and sauerkraut dishes. It is also employed and used in numerous fish sauces.

Historically, juniper berry has been sighted in Tutankhamun's grave, eventhough the juniper tree is not known to grow in Egypt. The berries have probably been imported to Egypt from Greece, as the Greeks used juniper berries for medicinal reasons long before mentioning their culinary use. The Greeks used the berries in many of the Olympics events because of the belief that the berries increased physical stamina in athletes. The Romans utilised juniper berries as a cheap substitute for the expensive black pepper and long pepper imported from India. It was also commonly used as an adulterant.

Juniper berry was first utilised for its diuretic properties. They are also believed to be appetite stimulants and can be used as a remedy for rheumatism and arthritis. Native Americans reportedly used the berries as an appetite suppresant in times of hunger. Because it contains, as well as, releases insulin from the pancreas, alleviating hunger, Juniper berry is being tested as a treatment for diet-controlled diabetes. It is also said to have been used by some tribes as a female contraceptive.

Juniper berry is a bitter tasting berry, and it contains many volatile oils or essential oils, vitamin C, flavonoids, fiber and a whole slew of active constituents that make it the power packed healing cone it is.

Medicinal Applications:

Juniper berry is concidered to be a herb with the most powerful effect on kidneys. It is used to treat urinary tract infections and it can remove uric acid from the body. It make the kidneys work faster and the body produces more urine, making the berry excellent as a diuretic as well.

People suffering from water retiontion issues can find relief with the juniper berry and its oil, due to its diuretic properties.

Juniper berry has antiseptic effect and is great to relieve suffering from cystitis and urethretis.

It can reduce flatulence and colic and aid in digestion. It can also ease problems like belching, bloating and heartburn. As a digestive aid, it is excellent, as it increases the appetite, relieves gas and boosts the production of gastric acid.

It also holds anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating artheric pains, gout and other issues such as rheumatism. These joint related problems oftentimes occur due to fluid retention around these joints and the berry with its diuretic properties can help in the expulsion of water excess.

Juniper berry can help in skin conditions like acne, dandruff and athlete's foot.

It can revive muscle tone, especially during the effects of ageing for most people.

Jeniber berry can help against menstual cramps. With its ability to help with muscle tone, it can help with the uterus tone and can help women with slow or late starting periods.

It has been used since ancient times for lung congestion and coughs, while it can help treat respiratory infections. The volatile oils present in the berry easy up bronchial passages and remove mucus.

The berry has a high concentration of insulin, which helps the pancreas heal and function better.

The essential oils present in the berries can relieve toothache and make gums stronger due to it analgesic and astringent properties. It can also help with hair loss.

Many people employ juniper berry to help with weight loss, since it cleanses the system from toxins and help purify throughout.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.