There are many health benefits of juniper as well as many associated with drinking juniper berry tea. It is very high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in your body, which can cause cancer and heart disease. Vitamins A and C help strengthen your immune system to prevent colds and boost your body’s ability to fight off any infections you may have contracted.
1) Treating Common Cold & Cough:
The University of Connecticut recently did a study on natural remedies and herbs that fight off the flu. Guess what? By taking ginseng, juniper and ginger at least three times a week, you can cut your chances of getting the flu by 65%! That’s a huge number!
Juniper berries contain an antiviral compound (deoxypodophyllotoxin) that can be helpful for upper-respiratory-tract infections, colds, and flu. Try steeping a handful of juniper berries in hot water before bedtime.
2) Treating Stomach problems:
Another benefit of juniper berries is that they can be used to treat stomach problems by aiding digestion the same way many other herbs and spices do. They increase bile and digestive juices by increasing glandular function.
3) Diabetes prevention:
Some studies have found that juniper berries can decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes , by regulating blood sugar levels and making them more stable.
*The consumption juniper might lower blood sugar too much in a people taking medication for diabetes because it may cause a further decrease in blood sugar to very low levels.
4) Treatment for gout:
Gout is a form of arthritis that typically affects a joint. It’s more common in men than in women and usually afflicts people over 40 years of age.
It can begin as an isolated flare-up or become a chronic condition, resulting in periods of intense pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness around the joint.
For treating gout, juniper berry tea is used as a diuretic. Juniper berries increase urine output and thus help to flush uric acid from your body, relieving the symptoms of gout.
5) Treatment for Kidney Stones:
Drinking juniper berry tea can also be effective against kidney stone formation due to its ability to increase urine flow. Juniper berries are a diuretic and stimulate increased production of urine, thereby helping to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. In addition, they help prevent the formation of kidney stones by increasing the production of bile, which removes substances that could cause them.
6) As a Treatment for UTIs
If you’re suffering from urinary tract infections, juniper berries can help you get relief. The antibacterial property of juniper berries combined with its diuretic effect makes it ideal for combating UTIs.
How is Juniper Berry Tea made?
Ingredients
1 tsp of dried juniper berries (Juniperus communis)
1 cups of boiling water
1 tsp of honey or sweetener of choice
Directions
Using a mortar and pestle, light crush the dried berries to get out all the benefits of juniper berries and its flavors.
Add the dried juniper berries to a tea ball and place in a large mug (alternatively, put the berries directly in the mug).
Pour the boiling water into the mug. Let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the berries or remove the tea ball.
Enjoy as is or with a teaspoon of raw honey.
Side Effects and Precautions of Juniper Berry
Consuming juniper berry is generally considered safe, but there can be allergic reactions, as well as drug interactions and possible toxicity when consumed in large quantities.
Despite its many benefits, there are also precautions and downsides to consuming juniper berries. Pregnant and breastfeeding women with urinary tract or kidney problems should avoid drinking juniper berry tea as it might cause contractions.
Also, consuming large of amounts of juniper berries (uncommon) has been proven to be toxic.
As with any other unusual and unfamiliar health supplement, it is important to consult your doctor about its use and possible side effects before delving into it.
Source: www.outdoorapothecary.com
