JUNIPER BERRIES (juniperus communis) as an herbal preparation, are primarily used for the treatment of urinary problems, like lumbar pains, uric acid buildup and gout. They are also used as an anti-inflammatory for arthritic and rheumatic ailments, as well as for indigestion and flatulence. The dried berries can be taken as a tea, made into a tincture, or powdered and taken in capsules.

They increase the appetite, aid digestion and increase the flow of urine as a stimulating diuretic. Juniper berries can help alleviate sciatica, rheumatic pains, gravel, bladder discharges, kidney problems, and swollen joints.

An excellent tea blend for acute rheumatism, sciatica, and lumbago: combine with gravel root. To address water retention use one ounce each of Juniper, cleavers, tansy, marshmallow, buchu leave and ¼ tsp cayenne - simmer the first 4 herbs for 20 minutes in 1quart water, pour this over the buchu and cayenne, cover and steep for 10min, strain and drink as necessary.

AVOID JUNIPER BERRIES IF YOU HAVE KIDNEY DISEASE or DURING PREGNANCY.

Juniper Berries influence the WATER ELEMENT, the first of the 5 Elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal), Water, governs the Kidneys (yin) and Bladder (yang), which are the source of vital energy for all organs.

The nature of the Water Element is associated with hearing (the ears are shaped like kidneys), the emotion of fear, the colors blue/black (like the colors of seas and rivers). When any of these aspects (and some others) are out of balance, symptoms like dread of cold, edema, inappropriate fear of things, diarrhea, impotence, premature ejaculation, lifeless dull hair, etc., manifest.

Herbs and essential oils are vital sources to restore balance and vital energy. The kidneys are responsible for the storage of energy, and though they mostly serve as filters of fluid wastes, they are always involved with deficiency symptoms and are most commonly associated with chronic diseases.

ESSENTIAL OIL (EO) of JUNIPER BERRIES: acts as a natural cleansing and detoxifying agent, and supports healthy kidney and urinary tract function, much like the source berries. Juniper oil is diuretic in nature, increasing both the frequency and volume of urination. Therefore, being very beneficial for people suffering from swelling due to minor or chronic renal failure. It also helps people lose weight because each time you urinate, some fats are lost from the body. This reduces blood pressure and removes extra salts and dangerous toxins like uric acid from the body.

Essential Oil Spray: used as a spray, it disinfects the air. Highly energetic, Juniper EO is one of the best for vibrational healing work. Mist a few sprays into your healing area and on your treatment table/chairs after each client to transmute any residual negative or unhealthy "vibes." Also, you can apply one drop to each hand, rub them together, and wipe them through the auric field to cleanse yourself. This oil also helps eliminate fear from one's etheric body.

Juniper Berry Hydrosol: this is an excellent choice for a cleanse, or as part of a weight-loss program. Use alone or in a blend both internally and topically. This is the hydrosol to use for gout, edema, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, and any water retention related issue. Source: "HYDROSOLS The Next Aromatherapy," by Suzanne Catty, p. 100

Alteratives are the category of herbs used in treating the immune system, toxicity of the blood, infections, arthritis, cancer and skin eruptions. Alteratives help the body assimilate nutrients and eliminate waste products of metabolism.

Red clover (above) is used to treat cancer because of its effects on protein assimilation.

Echinacea (above) is used to neutralize acid conditions in the blood associated with a stagnation of lymphatic fluids because of its antiseptic properties.

Cascara sagrada (above) is used when a laxative is required to eliminate toxic conditions resulting from constipation.

Dandelion (above) root combines liver tonic properties and diuretic properties and is useful for treating chronic blood toxicity.

My favorite pair of Chinese liver herbs are bupleurum and peony, pictured above. Bupleurum acts as an anti-inflammatory, inhibits certain hepatitis viruses and growth of liver cancer cells.

Using liver herbs, together with intestinal cleansers, can work to directly release the burden of toxic overload that can, over time, have negative repercussions on all our body systems, and our state of mental health in general.

Send me an email to Inquire about my new herb courses, via Zoom, launching in March 2022 at "theherbalist1750@gmail.com"

HERBS ARE NATURE'S MEDICINE . . . . MAKE NATURE’S MEDICINE YOUR OWN