MUGWORT

mugwort flowerhead

mugwort seers

mugwort leaf

mugwort leaf underside

mugwort basal rosette

MOTHERWORT
(Leonurus cardiaca)


Other common names include Throw-wort, Lion's Ear, and Lion's Tail. The latter two are also common names for Leonotis leonurus. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae.

Motherwort leaves

Motherwort plants
The leaves have serrated margins and are
palmately lobed with long petioles; basal leaves are
wedge shaped with three points and while the upper
leaves are more latticed. 

Motherwort at fields

Motherwort flower
L. cardiaca has a square stem
and opposite leaves.

Motherwort flower
Flowers appear in leaf axils on the upper part
of the plant

Part used: tops.

Properties: nervine, tonic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, diaphoretic and laxative.

What it affects: heart, nerves and uterus.

Preparation and amount:

Infusion: steep 5-15 min and drink 6 oz. 3-4 time a day.

Tincture: drink 30-60 drops (1/2-1 tsp) 4-4 times a day.

Fluid extract: drink 1/2-1 tsp 3-4 time a day.

Powder: drink 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3-4 times a day.

Purposes: 

Internally, motherwort is most commonly used for nervous heart problem and for stomach gas and cramps. For this purpose, a good combination is equal parts of motherwort, cramp bark, and calendula. It relieves childbirth pain and is excellent for suppressed menstruation and other female problems, including amenorrhea. It is a good tonic for the heart and may be combined with hawthorn berries for an effective heart tonic and antispasmodic. This can be used to prevent heart attack and treat palpitations, pericarditis, and neuralgia. It is good for all nervous conditions, sleeplessness, convulsions, neuritis, neuralgia, and hysteria. It is used for shortness of breath, goiter, and congestion of respiratory passages. It is also used for menopausal symptoms and vaginitis. It is used for headache, thyroid, insomnia,vertigo, fever, rheumatism, and suppressed urine. In general, it has similar properties to valerian, and can be used like it.

Warning: 

Contact with the plant mat cause dermatitis in some individuals.

Plant Description:

L. cardiaca  leaves have serrated margins and are palmately lobed with long petioles; basal leaves are wedge shaped with three points and while the upper leaves are more latticed. It has a square stem and opposite leaves. The flowers are small, pink to lilac in color often with furry lower lips.Flowers appear in leaf axils on the upper part of the plant and it blooms between June - August. The plant grows to about 60–100 cm in height and it can be found along roadsides and in vacant fields and other disturbed areas.

MARSHMALLOW
(Althaea officinalis)


Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow, Marsh Mallow, Marshmellow, or Common Marshmallow) is a species indigenous to Africa, which is used as a medicinal plant and ornamental plant. 

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

The leaves, flowers and the root of A. officinalis (marshmallow) all have medicinal properties

mallow plant

mallow plant

mallow seeds

mallow flower

Part used: roots, flowers and leaves.

Properties: demulcent, emollient, diuretic, lithotriptic, nutritive, alternative and vulnerary.

What it affects: kidneys, intestines and bladder.

Preparation and amount:

Infusion: (flowers and leaves) steep 5-15 min and drink 1 cup at a time, frequently.

Decoction (root): simmer 5-15 min and drink 6 oz. 3 times a day.

Tincture: drink 30-60 drops (1/2-1 tsp) 3 times a day.

Fluid extract: drink 1-2 tsp 3 times a day

Powder: drink 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains ) 3 times a day.

Purposes:

Marshmallow soothes and heals skin,mucous membranes, and other tissues, externally and internally.

Internally, it is a good source of easily digested mucilage. It helps the body lubricate joints, to protect them against dryness and irritation. Because digestive fluids contain mucilage, marshmallow also acts as a counter-irritation to the digestive tract and cure in diarrhea, dysentery, and ulcers. It is also used for lung problems and as a douche in vaginal infections. It is good for bladder infection.

Used marshmallow with other laxative herbs for chronic constipation that associated with dryness or lack of roughage. In combination with other diuretic herbs, such as parsley root, used it as a tea for kidney stone attack and to help expel gravel. it is also used for headache, sinusitis, sore throat, asthma, allergies. Marshmallow is often used as 10% of the formula in various herbal mixtures.

Externally, as a poultice, marshmallow can be applied with a pinch of cayenne on a daily basis in order to treat open wounds, burns, gangrene, septic wounds, bruises, and blood poisoning. The tea is good to bathe sore eyes.

Plant Description:

The flowers have five reddish-white petals. Its fleshy, upright stems reach a height of 3 - 4 feet. The short-stemmed leaves are round, with irregularly toothed margins and three to five lobes. The pale yellow roots are tapered, long, and thick, with a tough yet flexible exterior. A soft and velvety down covers the leaves and stem.  The whole plant, especially the root, is filled with mild mucilage.

MANDRAKE

(Podophyllum peltatum)

Podophyllum peltatum, , is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Berberidaceae,commonly called mayapple, native to wooded areas of eastern North America

Though the common name is mayapple, it is the flower that appears in early May, not the "apple". The fruit or "apple" is produced early summer and ripens later in summer. P. peltatum is also called hogapple, Indian apple, mayflower, umbrella plant (shape of the leaves), wild lemon (flavor of the fruit), wild mandrake, American mandrake (shape of rhizomes) or "devil's apple" 

A flowering plant

Fruit touching the earth

Immature plants with single leaves

Part used: Roots.

Properties: hepatic, laxative, cholagogue, alternative, stimulant and emetic.

What it affects: gallbladder, intestines skin and liver.

Preparation and amount:

Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min and drink 1 tbsp. (cold) 2 times a day.

Tincture: drink1-10 drops 2 times a day.

Fluid extract: drink 1/4-1/2 tsp twice a day.

Powder: drink 1-3 #0 capsules twice a day

Purposes:

Internally, mandrake is a powerful glandular stimulant and should be taken in small amounts It is used for lymhatic problems,liver diseases, all skin diseases, and obstruction of the liver and gallbladder (gallstones and jaundice),as well as digestive problems.It is best taken in small doses in combination with ginger, licorice, or Oregon grape root.It is said to eliminate poisoning from mercury ingestion. American Indian used it as a cathartic.

Externally, the concentrated tincture ( by gently cooking it down) is directly applied to warts, to rapidly remove them, but it must only be put on the wart and not on the surrounding skin. A diluted solution is applied to skin diseases. Indians used the crushed rootstock on warts, but doing so could produce dermatitis.

Note:

European mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) is a different herb, with different properties.

Warning:

Only take mandrake in small doses. Large doses, even applied externally, produces nausea, vomiting, and inflammation of the intestines and the stomach lining. An overdose could be fatal.Taking it during pregnancy could cause birth defects. Placing it undiluted on the skin may cause dermatitis.

Plant Description:

The single second white flower 3-5 cm diameter, with six (rarely up to nine) petals, is produced at the axil of the two leaves (the upper two in a three-leaved plant); the flower matures into a yellow-greenish fruits 2-5 cm long.The stems grow to 30-40 cm tall, with 2 or occasionally 3 palmately lobed leaves up to 20-30 cm diameter with 5-9 deeply cut lobes on reproductive individuals, or one peltate (umbrella-like) leaf on sterile individuals. Plants are commonly found infected by the rust Puccinia podophylli, appearing as honeycomb-patterned orange colonies under the leaves, and yellowish lesions on the upper surface. The plant is widespread and appears in clonal colonies in open mesic woodlands. Individual shoots are often connected by systems of thick tubers and rhizomes.

LUNGWORT
(Pulmonaria  officinalis) 


The lungworts are the genus Pulmonaria of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae, native to Europe and western Asia, with one species (P. mollissima) east to central Asia. According to various estimates the taxonomy of this genus is very confusing,  because there may be between 10 and 18 Pulmonaria species found in the wild. 


The scientific name Pulmonaria is derived from Latin pulmo (the lung),did you know that 'wort' ending simply means plant?  Other examples are Mugwort and Soapwort. 


The spotted oval leaves of P. officinalis were thought to symbolize diseased, ulcerated lungs, and so were used to treat pulmonary infections, in the times of sympathetic magic.
did you know that 'wort' ending simply means plant?  Other examples are Mugwort and Soapwort.

Pulmonaria officinalis

The common name in many languages also refers to lungs, as in English "lungwort" and German "Lungenkraut". In some East European languages, the common name is derived from a word for honey, e.g. Russian "medunitza" and Polish "miodunka".

Flowers of Pulmonaria officinalis

Flowers of Pulmonaria officinalis
the colour of the flower in bud is
often pink, which then changes
as the flower matures.

Part used: leaves.

Properties: emollient, demulcent, mucilage, expectorant, astringent, vulnerary, and tonic.

What it affects:liver, intestines, lungs and bronchial's.

Preparation and amount:

Infusion: steep 5-15 min. and drink 6 oz at a time.

Tincture: drink 15-30 drops 3 time a day.

Fluid extract: drink 1/2-1 tsp. 3 time a day.

Powder: drink 10 #0 capsules (60 grains) 3 times a day.

Purposes:

Internally, lungwort tea is used primarily for the respiratory system, especially when there is bleeding of the lungs. It is also reliable for asthma, coughs colds and bronchial and catarrhal problems.It is also counteract inflammation and will help heal tissues. it is also used for hemorrhoids, diarrhea, and hoarseness. It is also mildly diuretic.

Externally, lungwort tea is used for all kinds of wounds and swellings. It is best for washing for the infected sores.

Plant Description:


*Depending on variety, Lungwort ranges in height from 15 - 40cm with a spread of 45 - 60cm.  
*It has five-petaled flowers that extend in clusters as short bells from the green, hairy bracts and stems.  
*Lungwort has creeping rhizome's that can help it to spread.  
*Their leaves, which are pointed ovals and in some cases thin (similar to the leaves of plantain), range in colour from plain green, through a whole host of greens with spots, blotches and smudges of white, cream and silvery grey.  
*The colours of the flowers range from pure white through to shades of red, pink, violet and a full range of blues

LOBELIA
(Lobelia inflata)


Lobelia inflata (Indian Tobacco) is a species of Lobelia native to eastern North America, from southeastern Canada (Nova Scotia to southeast Ontario) south through the eastern United States to Alabama and west to Kansas.

Lobelia inflata. Flower

Lobelia inflata is also used by herbalists for treatment of asthma, hence its other nickname, asthma weed. Some make ointments of the plant to use externally.

It is also said that plant material is burned as a natural bug repellent to keep away insects such as mosquitoes.

Lobelia inflata. Flower

Part used: plant and seeds.
Properties: antispasmodic, emetic, nervine, expectorant.
What it affect: nerves, lungs, stomach, muscles, and circulation.


Preparation and amount:
Infusion: steep 5-15 min. and take 1 tbsp. as needed.
Tincture: Take 10-30 drops as needed.
Fluid extract: drink 5-30 drops as needed.
Powder: take 1-2 #0 capsules (1-10 grains) as needed.


Purposes:
Lobelia is both a relaxant and stimulant, and is a powerful helper.


Internally, in very small doses (5-10 drops of the tincture or one gelatin capsule), it is extremely relaxing for all spasms, both internally and externally; and it is used for lung congestion and as an antispasmodic in herbal formulas. In slightly larger doses (15 drops), it acts as a sedative. In large doses (40 drops of the tincture, or 2 gelatin capsules or more), it is powerful emetic, and can be used to vomit up something which you want to get out of the stomach fast! For most conditions (unless you want to induce vomiting), you will only use small doses.


In small doses: Lobelia is very good for asthma and whooping cough. It is outstanding for relieving spasms associated with lung and respiratory conditions. As an expectorant, it is useful in all respiratory treatments, especially the spasmodic type, in expelling phlegm. Add it to all cough medicines. Combine it with lady's slipper for convulsions. Lobelia is also used for headache, heart palpitation, indigestion, allergies, arthritis, asthma, chicken pox,contagious diseases, fever (all kinds), jaundice, pleurisy, pneumonia, St. Vitus dance, teething, toothache. It relaxes the heart and lowers rapid pulse. Combined with skullcap and lady's slipper, it is good for lock jaw.


In large doses: it is invaluable for clearing the  stomach of its contents, food poisoning .


Small doses: Externally, lobelia is a wash for infected or itchy skin diseases. It is put in baths, fomentations, poultices, and liniments for muscles spasms. Place in the ear a few drops of the tincture will relieve  ear aches.Bruises, felons, sprains, erysipelas, ringworm snake and insect bites, poison ivy and tumors is also used in poultices.Add it to liniments for sore muscles, pains and rheumatism.


Warning:
Although it is poisonous in large amounts so do not give a very large doses of lobelia, it will be vomited so fast as to unlikely cause any permanent harm.

Plant Description:

The herb is named after the botanist Matthias de Lobel, a native of Lille, who died in London in 1616. It is an erect annual or biennial herb, 1 to 2 feet high; lower leaves and also flower are stalked, the latter being pale violet-blue in colour, tinted pale yellow within. Commercially, it is usually prepared in compressed, oblong packages, by the Shakers of New Lebanon for importation into England. The colour is a yellowish green, the odour irritating, the taste, after chewing, very like that of tobacco, burning and acrid, causing a flow of saliva. The powder has a greenish colour, but that of the seeds is brown, and stains paper with grease.

LICORICE ROOT
(Glycyrrhiza glabra)


Liquorice or licorice  is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra from which a somewhat sweet flavour, popular in some demographics, can be extracted. The liquorice plant is a legume (related to beans and peas) that is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. It is called "Mulaithi" in Northern India. It is not related to anise, star anise, or fennel, which are the sources of similar-tasting flavouring compounds.

foliage

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a flavorful herb that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for thousands of years. Also known as "sweet root," licorice root contains a compound that is about 50 times sweeter than sugar.

Various liquorice root slivers

Licorice products are made from peeled and unpeeled dried root. There are powdered and finely cut root preparations made for teas, tablets, and capsules, as well as liquid extracts. 

Licorice Root Extract

Liquorice root with bark

Part used: roots

Properties: demulcent, expectorant,, laxative, alternative.

What it affects: lungs, stomach, intestines, spleen, and liver.

Preparation and amount:

Decoction: simmer 5-15 min. and drink 1 tbsp. as needed

Tincture: Drink 30-60 drops 91/2-1 tsp.) 2-3 times a day.

Fluid extract: 1/2-1 tsp. 2-3 times a day.

Syrup: take 1 tsp to 1 tbsp. as needed.

Powder: Take up to 10 30 capsules (60 grains) daily.

Purposes:

Internally, licorice is primarily used for bronchial problems, coughs, hoarseness, mucous congestion, and similar problems. It can also be taken for stomach problems, such as peptic ulcers and bladder and kidney ailments.

Added to bitter tonics, licorice root makes them more palatable and helps balance the herbal formula. It is excellent for all kinds of stomach and intestinal ulcers. It fights inflammation and viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection. It is a specific for colds, flu, and lung congestion, and is frequently added to cough syrups. It cleanses the colon, reduce muscle spasms, increases the fluidity of mucus in the lungs and bronchial tubes. It is a mild laxative and is effective foe children and the elderly. It helps to inhibit the formation of plaque and prevents bacteria from sticking to tooth enamel. for hoarseness and throat problems, combine it with sage, ginger, horehound and coltsfoot.

Licorice root is useful for asthma, allergies, chronic fatigue, emphysema, depression, enlarged prostate, fever, herpesvirus, hypoglycemia, and glandular infection. for children's throat and lung problems, combine licorice root powder with other herbs. Use it for inflammatory bowel disorders, premenstrual syndrome, and menopausal symptoms. A strong decoction makes a good laxative for children and may also help reduce fever. Add it to other herbal medicines ( and even drug medication), to make them more palatable. Use it for upper respiratory tract infections. It protects against atherosclerosis.

Licorice stimulates the production of interferon and may help inhibit replication of HIV. There is also evidence that it may prevent hepatitis C from causing liver cancer and cirrhosis.

Licorice extract has been shon to have activities similar to those of cortisone and, tp a lesser extent, estrogen. It induce the adrenal cortex to produce larger amounts pf cortisone and aldosterone. Glycyrrhizin, a chemical in licorice, has a chemical structure similar to human steroid hormones. Three other herbs (ginseng, wild yam, and sarsaparilla), all of which combine well with licorice, also have hormone-like substances in them. In Europe, licorice is used to help those with ulcers to  recover.

Note:

Licorice candy is useless because of its white sugar content and because it primarily consists of anise, not licorice.

Warning: 

Licorice should not be used by persons with diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or those who have had strokes. It should not be taken by those with severe menstrual problems or who are pregnant. It should not be used over seven days; for it can cause high blood pressure, even in those who have low or normal pressure. In additional, extended use can result in water retention o low potassium levels.

LEMON BALM

(Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), not to be confused with bee balm, Monarda species, is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. In England it may be known simply as "balm".

leaves

Lemon balm is often used as a flavouring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. It is also frequently paired with fruit dishes or candies. It can be used in fish dishes and is the key ingredient in lemon balm pesto.

leaves

Lemon balm contains eugenol, which kills bacteria and has been shown to calm muscles and numb tissues. It also contains tannins that contribute to its antiviral effects, as well as terpenes that add to its soothing effects.

Traditionally this herb has been used as a sedative, and as an antispasmodic.

plant

It grows to 70–150 cm tall. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint. During summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear. These attract bees, hence the genus name Mellissa (Greek for 'honey bee'). Its flavour comes from citronellal (24%), geranial (16%), linalyl acetate (12%) and caryophyllene (12%).

Stack and grow herbs kit

Part used: tops.
Properties: diaphoretic, sedative, antitryptic, antispasmodic.
What it affects: nerves and circulation.


Preparation and amount:
Infusion: steep 5-15 min. and take 6 oz. as needed frequently.
Tincture: Drink 30-60 drops (1/2-1 tsp.) as needed.
Fluid extract: Drink 1/2-2 tsp as needed.
Powder: Take 10 #0 capsules (60 grains) as needed.


Purposes:
 Internally, lemon balm is a specific for children and infants when indications of colds, flus, or fever appear. Sweeten the tea with honey and give it hot to feverish children while they covered with warm blankets.Or first put them into a hot balm with copious amount of the tea; and then bundle them under blankets to sweat it out.


Lemon balm is frequently used to cure melancholy and depression- induced sicknesses. It is also good for hysteria, cholera, insomnia,  epilepsy, headache, nervous indigestion, and hepatitis.


Plant Description:
The plant grows up to 2 feet in height, sometimes higher if not maintained. In the spring and summer, clusters of small, light yellow flowers grow where the leaves meet the stem. The leaves are very deeply wrinkled and range from dark green to yellowish green in color, depending on the soil and climate. If you rub your fingers on these leaves, your fingers will smell tart and sweet, like lemons. The leaves are similar in shape to mint leaves, and come from the same plant family.

LADIES SLIPPER
( Cypredium pubescens )


Cypripedium is a genus of 47 species of lady's-slipper orchids native to temperate and colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Showy lady slipper

The inflorescence is racemose. It can carry one to twelve flowers, as in Cypripedium californicum. But most species have one to three flowers. There are three sepals, with, in most species, the two lateral ones more or less fused. The flower has three acute petals with the third a striking slipper-shaped lip, which is lowermost. The sepals and the petals are usually similarly colored, with the lip in a different color.

Yellow Lady's-Slipper

Part used: root (fresh)
Properties: Antispasmodic, nervine, sedative.
What it affects: nerves.


Preparation and amount: 
Infusion: steep 60 min and drink 1 tbsp. every hour.
Decoction: simmer 60 min. and drink 1 tbsp. in 6 oz. water 3-4 x a day.
Tincture: drink 5-30 drops 3 times a day.
Fluid extract: take 1/4 tsp 3 times a day.
Powder: Take 2-10 #0 capsules (5-60 grains) 3 times a day.

Purposes:
Internally, lady's slipper is an excellent nervine and acts as a tonic to an exhausted nervous system. It is said to be the best nervine relied upon for chorea, epilepsy, hysteria, headache, insomnia, and general nervousness. It is good for nervous indigestion. It has no narcotic a9 addictive) properties. Combined with ginger and a small amount of lobelia, it can be used for nervousness associated with fevers. Combined with chamomile or dandelion, it is a useful treatment for stomach or liver problems, including hepatitis. Combined with skullcap, it is used for headaches and hysteria. It is also good for cholera, epilepsy, and nervous exhaustion.

KELP
(Fucus vesiculosus,)


Popular Name(s): Kelp, Seawrack, Kelpware, Black-Tang, Bladder Fucus, Cutweed, Bladderwrack and Sea Weed.


Kelps are large seaweeds (algae) belonging to the brown algae (Phaeophyceae) in the order Laminariales. There are about 30 different genera.


Kelps grow in underwater "forests" (kelp forests) in shallow oceans. The organisms require nutrient-rich water with temperatures between 6 to 14 degree celsius. They are known for their high growth rate — the genera Macrocytis and Nereocytis can grow as fast as half a metre a day, ultimately reaching 30 to 80 m.


Kelp-is actually the richest known source of natural (organic) iodine, which is vital for the prevention and treatment of iodine deficiencies. Iodine is also important to the function of the thyroid gland, and is a key component of thyroid
hormones, which are required for normal development and metabolism.

Close-up of bladder wrack's
eponymous vesicles

Close-up of bladder wrack's eponymous vesicle

Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common name bladder wrack or bladderwrack, is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, also known by the common names black tang, rockweed, bladder fucus, sea oak, black tany, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus, and rock wrack. It was the original source of iodine, discovered in 1811, and was used extensively to treat goiter, a swelling of the thyroid gland related to iodine deficiency.


Part used: whole plant.
properties: demulcent, nutritive, alternative, diuretic.
What it affects: thyroid, nerves, brain, kidneys, and bladder.


Preparation and amount: 
Infusion: steep 5-15 min. and drink 1-2 cups daily.
Tincture: Drink5-10 drops 1-2 x a day.
Fluid extract: drink 10 drops 1-2 x a day.
Powder: Sprinkle on food. Take 1 tsp 1-2 x a day.
Powder:Take 3-5 #0 capsules (10-30grains)1-2 x a day.


Purposes:
California kelp, Norwegian kelp, Nova Scotia, and European Irish moss are all primarily useful for the trace minerals they contain. (California kelp is not as nutritionally good as the others.)


Internally, this seaweed provides an abundance of natural iodine which is missing from mush of the soil on the continents. In addition to their nutritive value, when eaten, the seaweed absorbs waste from the body fluids binds with poisons, and carries them off. A factor, called sodium alginate, in kelp binds with radioactive strontium 90 in the intestines and carries it out of the body. This is an extremely important discovery.


Warning: 
It is said that, because of their high iodine content, very large quantities of seaweed could produce goiter-like symptoms. But, in reality, the excess trace minerals tend to, rather quickly, be eliminated in the sweat and through the kidneys.

JUNIPER BERRIES
Juniperus communis

A juniper berry is the female seed cone produced by the various species of junipers. It is not a true berry but a cone with unusually fleshy and merged scales, which give it a berry-like appearance. The cones from a handful of species, especially Juniperus communis, are used as a spice, particularly in European cuisine, and also give gin its distinguishing flavour. According to one FAO document, juniper berries are the only spice derived from conifers,though tar and inner bark (used as a sweetener in Apache cuisines) from pine trees is sometimes considered a spice as well.

A few dried berries can be
 chewed and taste good

uniper berries, here still attached to a branch,
 are actually modified conifer cones.

Juniperus communis berries vary from four to twelve millimetres in diameter; other species are mostly similar in size, though some are larger, notably J. drupacea (20–28 mm). Unlike the separated and woody scales of a typical pine cone, those in a juniper berry remain fleshy and merge into a unified covering surrounding the seeds. The berries are green when young, and mature to a purple-black colour over about 18 months in most species, including J. communis (shorter, 8–10 months in a few species, and about 24 months in J. drupacea). The mature, dark berries are usually but not exclusively used in cuisine, while gin is flavoured with fully grown but immature green berries.

Mature purple and younger green
 juniper berries can be seen
growing alongside one another
 on the same plant.

Part used: fruit.

Properties: antispasmodic, diuretic, anodyne, aromatic, astringent, carminative, lithotriptic, stimulant.

What it affects: Kidneys and stomach.

Preparation and amount: 

Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. and drink 3 oz. 1-3 time a day. 

Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min and drink 1-2 cups every day.

Tincture: drink 5-20 drops 3 time a day.

Fluid extract: Drink 1/2-1 tsp. 3 x day.

Oil: drink 1-3 drops 2 x a day.

Powder: Take up to 10 #0 capsules (up to 60 grains) daily.

Purposes:

Internally, juniper berries act as a stimulating diuretic and are beneficial in the treatment of urine retention, catarrh of the bladder, gravel, and pains in the lower back. It is also good for bladder discharges and uric acid buildup. Take 1-3 drops of the oil, plus honey, 2 time a day. It is usually taken internally by eating the berries or making a tea from them. The berries eliminate excess water. The tea is good douche for vaginal infections. It is helpful in the treatment of asthma, fluid retention, and prostate disorders. It is also used for diabetes, cystitis, bladder diseases, allergies, arthritis, bed- wetting, hay fever, lumbago, and nephritis.

Juniper berries are used for gastro-intestinal infections and cramps, leukorrhea, gonorrhea, gouty and rheumatic pains. It is an excellent digestive tonic. It helps in case of reduced production of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) and in regulating blood sugar levels.

As a spice, the berries are used to enhance flavor, stimulates appetite, and counteract flatulence. The berries can be made into a jam or syrup as an appetizer. A few dried berries can be chewed and taste good.

Externally, juniper oil, derived from the berries, penetrates the skin easily and is good for bone and joint problems. Inhaled in a vapor bath, it is used for bronchitis and infection in the lungs. The berries can be boiled and then spray in a room where sick people have been, to disinfect it. It is said that those who are nursing patients with serious diseases should chew berries, to protect themselves from pathogenic substances with might be inhaled.

Warning:

Large doses of juniper berries can be irritating to the kidneys and urinary passages. It may interfere with the absorption of iron and certain other minerals. It should not be used during pregnancy, nor by persons with kidney disease. It should not be used for a lengthy period of time by those with urinary tract or inflammatory diseases. The pure oil, placed on the skin in large quantities, can cause inflammation and blisters.

Plant Description:

Juniper berry tree

Junipers vary in size and shape from tall trees, 20–40 m tall, to columnar or low spreading shrubs with long trailing branches. They are evergreen with needle-like and/or scale-like leaves. They can be either monoecious or dioecious. The female seed cones are very distinctive, with fleshy, fruit-like coalescing scales which fuse together to form a "berry"-like structure, 4–27 mm long, with 1-12 unwinged, hard-shelled seeds. In some species these "berries" are red-brown or orange but in most they are blue; they are often aromatic and can be used as a spice. The seed maturation time varies between species from 6–18 months after pollination. The male cones are similar to those of other Cupressaceae, with 6-20 scales; most shed their pollen in early spring, but some species pollinate in the autumn.