Diuretic juniper berries

Numerousherbai diureticsare available as over-the-counter (OTQ products. Most plants and herbal extracts available as OTCdiureticsare nontoxic. However, most are either ineffective or no more effective than caffeine. The following are selected herbals reported to possess diuretic activity cetery, chicory, sassafras juniper berries St. John s wort, foxglove, horsetail, licorice, dandelion, digital is purpurea, ephedra, hibiscus parsley, and elderberry. 

Diuretic teas such as juniper berries and shave grass or horsetail are contraindicated. Juniper berries have been associated with renal damage, and horsetail contains severely toxic compounds Teas with ephedrine should be avoided, especially by individuals with hypertension. 

A diuretic. Pregnant women should not eat juniper berries because the berries can stimulate uterine contractions. 

It is on account of the Juniper Berries used in its manufacture that gin is so frequently recommended when a diuretic is needed. However, one authority at least. Dr. Coffin, considers that "the better plan. .. is to eschew the gin, and make a tea of the berries" The same writer tells us that if Juniper boughs are burnt to ashes and the ashes put into water, "a medicine will be obtained that has cured the dropsy in an advanced stage."... 

Compound Spirit of Juniper. Stinmhmt ami diuretic, administered in doses of 2 to 4 dratihms. This spirit, when mixed with 2 or 3 times its weight of proof spirit, makes a fair imitation of Holland gin. Take 15 ounces bruised juniper berries, 2 ounces each of bruised caraway and fennel, 1 Ilon proof spirit, and about 1 quart water. Distill 1 gallon. The wholesale preparation is a solution of 2 drachms oil of juniper, h drachm each of the oils of caraway and sweet fennel, in 5 quarts proof spirit. If not clear, filter through magnesia. 

Juniper berries are a little smaller than wild blueberries and have a blue-black color. They have long been used medicinally for digestive problems and to rid the body of excess water (diuretic action). It appears that they were first used in wine and then later to make gin. The berries are also used as a flavoring in herb teas, meat and vegetable dishes, sauces and soups, and in various confections and desserts. 

Juniper berry oil is generally considered to have diuretic properties it also has... 

Juniper communis. Juniper, Stim. diuretic in infusion. 1 pint during 24 hours. Berry, 0[lb.] 8[oz.]... 

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