Juniper berry tea can
damage the kidneys with overuse or in pregnancy, according to German clinical trials. Juniper oils can be irritating to the
system as they are excreted in the urine. Juniper has been used in dyspepsia as a berry tea, in eczema and other skin diseases
as cade oil or juniper oil.
Juniper berries or berry extracts
are used as a fragrance, flavoring and spice in small amounts.
Juniper is thought to be more
effective and less irritating when combined with uva ursi, manzanita or pipsissewa.
Expert Opinion and Folkloric Precedent:
Juniperus
species have been used by many people around the world, but have also been recognized as toxic plants. Juniper is a flavoring
in drinks and is used as a spice in small amounts. The plant displays significant toxicity to the kidneys and skin, which
limits its use in medicine, except in small amounts. Juniper is safely used as a fragrance in soaps, shampoos, cosmetics,
sachets and other products.
