Juniper
(common) - Juniperus
communis
The
Juniper tree has a reddish-brown bark, with sharp,
blueish-green pointed needles. The female and male
cones grow on separate trees - the male cones, about
4mm long, are yellow and cylindrical, whilst the
females cones are greenish, globular and about 6-9mm
in diameter, ripening in 2-3 years to blue-black
berry like fruits, famously used for flavouring
gin.
Traditionally
a herb associated with sacred cleansing rituals,
sprigs of Juniper are still regularly burned in
Tibetan temples as part of the morning purification
rituals, and until fairly recently sprigs of Juniper
and Rosemary were burnt in French hospitals wards
to protect from infection. An effective household
disinfectant can be made by adding a few drops of
Juniper oil to water.
Juniper
is antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, strengthening
and detoxifying and is widely used for treating
urinary tract problems and cystitis. It also makes
a stimulating tonic massage, which is useful as
an abdomen massage for treating scanty periods.
The cleansing properties of Juniper work on the
emotional / mental plane as well as the physical
- inhale to clear the mind...
! Prolonged use can irritate
the kidneys and should not be taken internally by
anyone suffering from kidney diseases. Any preparation
containing Juniper should not be taken for longer
than 6 months without professional advice. Avoid
during pregnancy ! |