Juniper berries are the fruit of the Juniperus tree and have medicinal properties. They are used to make essential oils and the alcoholic drink called gin. They have different benefits and even in the literature they are attributed with magical powers but beyond this what is clear is that you can buy them for cooking and also for health care.
Contents
Properties of juniper berries
Among their benefits are improving the digestive process and relieving discomfort caused by colic and intestinal gas. Juniper berries have a bitter flavor that promotes the production of gastric juices increases bile and helps digestion.
It should be taken into consideration that juniper has effects that reduce blood sugar but in addition juniper berries have properties to:
- Detoxify the body.
- Fight urinary infections microbes and bacteria.
- Stimulate digestion.
- Relieve pain caused by rheumatism and gout.
- Improve appetite.
- Help detoxify the liver.
- Treat kidney problems kidney stones and bladder problems.
- Treat gastrointestinal infections.
- Stomach acidity.
- Flatulence and meteorism.
How to prepare and take juniper
The most common way is to prepare infusions so that the active compounds can be assimilated quickly once the infusion reaches the stomach. There is also the possibility of using juniper oil. Inhalation works well for bronchitis and infectious processes of the respiratory tract.
Juniper berry infusion
The way to prepare a juniper infusion is:
- Crush 1 g of berries until well ground.
- Heat 100 ml of water to the boiling point.
- Add the crushed juniper to the water and let it simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the infusion rest for between 10 and 15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a strainer and drink it to taste.
Do not exceed the quantities as it can be very toxic. It is always recommended to consult a health professional before ingesting it.
Preparation tips: Instead of adding the berries directly to the water you can use an infuser and once it releases the active compounds remove it. This avoids having to use a strainer.
Also if you prefer to prepare a larger amount so you do not have to boil water often you can do it with one liter of water. The quantities would be 1 liter of water per 10 grams of berries. The rest of the process is identical.
You can take one cup or infusion per day and thus obtain the properties and benefits of juniper berries taking into account the contraindications and side effects.
Essential oil
The simplest option is to buy a small bottle that already contains the preparation with the essences in the oil. You can purchase it in a natural store or a herbal shop. Buying juniper essential oil is relatively easy.
Once you have it it can be used to calm rheumatic pain and also muscle discomfort.
- Apply a few drops on the skin and massage the area.
Mix it with almond oil or your favorite oil to improve the properties and obtain a different aroma. Since only 5 drops of juniper oil are needed creating a homemade skin blend is very satisfying.
Gin and tonic
There is a perfect way to prepare a gin and tonic with a special taste. For this you need to have the following ingredients:
- Gin
- Tonic.
- Ice.
- 1 lemon slice.
- 3 juniper berries.
- Large balloon glass.
You must fill the glass with ice add the lemon slice and the juniper berries. The first time try a different number since the taste is very personal. The more berries you add the more bitter the flavor will be.
Then pour the gin over the ice and then the tonic.
You can now enjoy the best juniper gin and tonic. One variation is to use cardamom.
Contraindications
- Low iron level.
- Pregnancy.
- Kidney disorders.
Regular consumption of juniper berries can decrease mineral absorption levels among which iron stands out. The contraindications of juniper berries in this regard should be taken into account since anemia could appear or people with iron deficiency anemia should not consume them.
Pregnant women should avoid using juniper berries in all forms. It can cause a miscarriage.
Whenever there is a disease the use of essential oils or berries should be consulted with a doctor since although natural they could interact with or change the symptoms of certain pathologies.
And where to buy juniper berries?
Fortunately they are quite easy to obtain. There are supermarkets and food stores where they are for sale. If you wonder where to buy juniper berries in Spain it is very common to find them in Mercadona Carrefour and large stores in small bags or spice jars. In addition herbal shops offer good prices especially if you are looking for a higher quality product that maintains all its essences and an added value.
If you want to buy them in another country such as Chile or in the American continent they are available at Walmart but also in small supermarkets and local shops. And of course you can also obtain them online.
