Juniper Berry Benefits
By Mary
Dezfoly
When it comes to
Superfoods, berries are right on top of the list because they are crammed with
beneficial antioxidants. One such berry that can aid you a good deal is the
juniper berry and over the years, scientific research has shown what a marvel
it is.
Botanically speaking,
the juniper berry isn't an actual fruit but the juniper's seed cone. It's
regarded as a berry because of its scales. The juniper is an evergreen tree and
there are apparently 6 species of this tree whose berries are edible and used for
a whole lot of beneficial purposes.
Juniper berries are
extensively used in European cooking, especially meat based preparations as it
lends a unique flavor. Gin lovers also may be surprised to learn that juniper
berries are the primary ingredient in gin. However the juniper berry is
renowned for its reputation as an herbal solution for an incredibly long list
of conditions and ailments.
How it helps
The juniper is in fact
a useful tree as most of its parts are used for some sort of medicinal
preparation or the other. So, the berries, leaves, bark and even oil derived
from the berries and wood are used in various ways.
Essentially a bitter
berry, the juniper berry contains numerous volatile oils or essential oils,
fiber, vitamin C, flavonoids and whole lot of active ingredients that makes it
the breakthrough healer that it is. Note that juniper berries can be taken in
the form of teas and the crushed berries can be applied on the skin as well for
a variety of ailments.
Here is a look at some
of the uses of the juniper berry and how it can help us lead healthier lives:
* Juniper is
considered to be a herb with the most amazing effects on kidneys. It is also
used to cure various urinary tract infections and it can remove uric acid from
the body. Juniper makes the kidneys work quickly and the body produces more
urine, making it an excellent diuretic also.
* People facing water
retention problems can feel a lot of relief with the juniper berry and its oil
because of its diuretic properties.
* Oil from the juniper
berry has an antiseptic effect and it comes as a great relief to people
suffering from urethritis and cystitis.
* Suffering from
digestive problems? The Berry might just be your answer as it can help decrease
flatulence and colic and help digestion. It also eases problems such as
bloating, belching and heartburn. As a digestive support, it is outstanding as
it increases the appetite, relieves gas and increases the production of gastric
acid.
* Juniper also has
anti-inflammatory qualities and it is of excellent help to those suffering from
arthritis, gout and other conditions such as rheumatism. These joint related
diseases occur because of the fluid retention around these joints and the
juniper berry with its diuretic action relieves this pressure considerably.
* Skin ailments such
as dandruff, acne and athlete's foot can also be treated with topical
application of the juniper berry.
* Juniper helps in
refreshing the muscle tone and noticeably reducing the effects of ageing for
most people.
* Menstrual cramps are
often many of the most troublesome aspects of a woman's life, but these can
also be reduced significantly with the help of the juniper berry. Many
herbalists even use the juniper to improve the uterus tone and to help those
who have slow or late starting periods.
* Concentrated oils of
the juniper are used topically for lung congestion and coughs while it is also
crucial in helping those suffering from respiratory infections. The volatile
oils help in clearing up bronchial passages and getting rid of mucus.
* It has a high
concentration of insulin and helps in healing the pancreas.
* Essential oils
extracted from juniper berries can aid in relieving toothache and making gums
stronger. It can also be used to manage hair fall.
* Finally, the juniper
berry is used by many to slim down and since it even cleanses the toxins from
the body, it is a great overall purifier as well.
Precautions
Juniper does have some
significant side effects and it's important that you're aware of them before
you start using them as any form of treatment.
* Avoid the juniper
berry in case you have severe kidney problems as it can aggravate the problem
and cause further damage.
* If you use more than
the prescribed amount, chances are that you could suffer from diarrhea, kidney
pain, high blood pressure, fast heartbeat and purplish urine.
* When taken
internally, it can impact the absorption of iron and various other minerals.
* Open wounds are best
not treated with juniper because it can cause discomfort and swelling.
* Juniper causes
uterine spasms and could lead to lowered fertility, so women who are attempting
to get pregnant must avoid juniper.
* Pregnant women
should not use juniper as it can cause uterine contractions and cause an
abortion.
* Diabetics must be
careful while using juniper as it can raise the levels of glucose in the body.
Juniper when taken in
advisable amounts and with people who do not have the indicated problems as
mentioned above, can be a godsend as it provides them with a lot of relief.
For more information
on Benefits of Juniper Berry, please visit our health related
website bewellbuzz.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mary_Dezfoly/773889
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