Juniper JOON-i-per

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Baccae juniperi, Juniperus communis, Juniperi fructus, juniper berry, common juniper, ginepro, genievre, zimbro, enebro

What is juniper?

The Juniper is an evergreen shrub that usually grows 2 to 6 feet high. The berries and leaves are used medicinally.

What is it used for?

This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider. There may be other uses that are not listed below.

Juniper has been used to treat:

• breathing problems such as colds, asthma, and bronchitis when inhaled
• gas
• heartburn
• intestinal worms
• joint and muscle pain (when used on the skin)
• kidney and bladder stones
• loss of appetite or upset stomach
• urinary tract infections

Juniper gives the flavor to some alcoholic beverages, such as gin.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Juniper is normally taken by eating the berries or making a tea from them. It is also taken as a liquid extract or tincture. Check the label on the package for the specific dose. Juniper oil can be used in a hot vapor bath, and inhaled in the steam for respiratory infections. Do not rub pure oil on the skin as it can be very irritating and cause blisters. Juniper oil must be blended with other oils.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Juniper seems to be safe for most adults when taken by mouth for a short time. Do not use it for longer than 4 weeks. Long-term use increases your risk of side effects.

Do not use juniper if you have:

• Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or infections of the stomach or intestines
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• skin wounds or diseases

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Diabetics: This remedy may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking this remedy.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may have different strengths and effects. They may be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious: Kidney pain, blood in the urine, fast heartbeat, seizures, vaginal bleeding.

Other: Skin irritation, blisters, burning, redness, and swelling; eye redness or itching

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• diabetes medicines such as glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), repaglinide (Prandin), and rosiglitazone (Avandia)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.