As we step into this new year, it can be useful to reflect on what ways medicines can play a part of our life to create vibrant health and vitality. Previously, we have looked at two examples of evergreen trees as useful aids to combat illnesses common in winter. I'd like to wrap our exploration of evergreen trees as medicinal aids by turning to a tree that is used as a powerful medicine across the world.
Juniper species are used as powerful medicinal agents and ceremonial aids on 3 different continents. I'll say that again: 3 different continents. In Asia, Europe, and North America Juniper has been used as a medicine since ancient times. I don't know of use of Juniper in Africa, Antarctica, or Australia, but if Juniper species do grow there, I'm sure they are used as a medicine as well.
Juniper, like a lot of it's coniferous cousins, continues to combine the properties of being a potent medicine for treating illnesses and sicknesses while also playing an important role as a remover of negative energy or thought patterns.
Juniper spp.
While I usually try to not make broad sweeping statements about plants that have many variations, for Juniper I make an exception. Junipers are characterized by prickly needles, reddish brown shaggy bark, and in most species an edible blue-green berry. (Before using a local species be sure to check it's edibility!!!).
Uses:
1) Needle Tea- Similar to the other coniferous trees we have looked at, Juniper needles can be made into a tea that can treat coughs, colds, and fevers. It is especially good for colds that are characterized by copious nasal or bronchial mucous that is white, clear, or slightly yellow. In addition, due to its anti-pain characteristics (see below) Juniper tree will also aid with the body aches that can come with colds or flu.
2) Anti-Rheumatic-Many different evergreen species can be used to treat pain, especially achy, joint pain made worse by exposure to cold, damp weather. Juniper may be one of the most effective of these remedies. It can be used a hot soak or bath. Or, alternatively you can actually take juniper branches or twigs and soak them in hot water and apply them directly to the effected area. In fact you can use the steam from juniper teas or even the smoke from burned needles or bark to treat painful areas as well.
3) Ceremonial-Juniper smoke from either needles or dried shredded bark is considered a very powerful remover of negative energy. It is used ceremonially in North America and across Asia, and there is even a tradition of Juniper smoke being used as a kind of smudge among Scottish peoples. This tradition known as saining has been described by Frank MacEowen in his work on Celtic Spirituality. People on three different parts of the world can't all be wrong!
4)Trauma-Juniper can also be used to treat acute trauma such as muscle aches, sprains, strains, etc. The method is the same as above including steam, fomentation, soak, topically, etc.
Other Uses and Precautions:
Juniper Berries are considered edible in their fresh and dried from. In fact, Gin is flavored with Juniper berries (which points to the fact that many old European liquors may have originally been medicinal tinctures or beverages). The berries are diuretic increasing urination. This may cause irritation in large quantities and also could be problematic for those with chronic kidney or bladder issues. Also, Juniper species of a variety of kinds can be dangerous for pregnant women leading to early labor or miscarriage.
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