Juniper – Juniperis communis.
Parts Used– Berries & branch
Actions- Antiseptic, diuretic, stimulant, carminative, rubefacient, Antispasmodic, astringent, vulnerary.
Juniper was a favorite strewing herb in medieval times, scattered on floors to freshen the air & cleanse the indoor environment of infection & disease. Probably best known as the ingredient that gives gin its unique taste, Juniper berries also have a long history as a medicinal herb used to treat joint pain & disorders of the urinary tract.
The ancient Greeks & Romans took juniper to ease the aches & pains associated with rheumatism. Medieval herbalist used it as remedy for intestinal upset. Among the indigenous tribes of North America, juniper was used to treat kidney problems, urinary tract infections, muscle & joint pain, stomach upset, ulcers, wounds, high fever & respiratory infections.
Recognized for its warming & stimulating & disinfecting properties, juniper is still used to treat many of the above conditions.
Topically the herbs essential oil has been used in treating respiratory infections, congestion & coughs & for stubborn skin conditions.
Juniper is a small, shrubby conifer that grows wild in chalky soil all over Europe, Asia , North America, & North Africa. The berries contain both a resin & an essential oil. They can be used in cooking & herbal medicine.
Juniper contains a potent antiviral compound ( deoxypodophylotoxin). Juniper extracts appear to inhibit a number of different viruses, including those that cause flu & herpes. If you feel a cold coming on you can drink some juniper berry tea.
Healing ointment – for pain
125g fresh juniper berries
250mls Olive or Sunflower oil
3-4 Tbsp Beeswax
Place the berries in a double boiler & then add oil & simmer for 30 or until berries lose there colour, taking care not to heat oil to hot. Strain off berries & place oil back in double boiler add the beeswax until dissolved. Pour into a sterilized dark glass jar. As it cools the balm will solidify. Apply to effected area 2-3 times daily.
Magical Uses.
There are several methods of working with Juniper. As an evergreen, the resin may be collected, dried, & may be used in amulets, ground, or made into a tea. The needles are sometimes taken & may be burnt upon charcoal as incense, even when fresh. Juniper is an excellent herb to use in rituals for good health. It has the energy necessary to keep banished all those things which are injurious to one’s health. Juniper will also attract good, healthy energies.
Planet – Sun. Element – Fire. Powers Protection, anti-theft, Love, Exorcism, health. Used throughout Europe as a protective herb, Juniper also guards against theft. It is probably one of the earliest incenses used by Mediterranean Witches. Juniper hung at the door protects against evil forces. A sprig of the plant protects its wearer against accidents & attacks by wild animals. Juniper is added to love mixtures & the berries are carried to increase male potency. When carried or burned, juniper helps the psychic powers & breaks hexes & curses & drives off snakes!!!!
Cations
Not to be used in pregnancy or when the kidney are inflamed.
Green Blessings – Laura x