Herbs & Plants
Of The Southwest
Latin Name: Juniperus monosperma Common names: Cedar, Cedron, Sabina
Juniper, along with pinon pine, dominates the mesa tops and higher elevations of the Southwestern desert, where many ruins and traces of the Ancient Ones are found, and archaeologists refer affectionately to this as the “P-J Zone”. Juniper berries were eaten by Ancestral Puebloans, especially during times of famine. The Hopi and Zuni liked the berries with their Piki bread. Juniper is a sacred plant for the Navajo. Among Native Americans today, Sweat lodges are often made of juniper wood with a juniper bark floor. Juniper has been known since ancient times as a remedy for urinary tract problems, gallstones, and gout. Isn’t it nice when something good for you also has a pleasant smell and taste? Juniper berries are well known as the flavoring agent in gin, which is not so good for you.
Juniper tea is used by the Navajo to treat colds, headaches, and stomachaches. Pueblo women have traditionally used a tea made from Juniper during, or immediately after labor, and also for indigestion. Juniper and fir have been used to treat painful gout, by reducing uric acid levels. The berries have a strong diuretic, antiseptic and antispasmodic effect, and are useful for the treatment of urinary tract infections. A tea can be made for this purpose by using 1 teaspoon of crushed berries or a rounded teaspoon of leaves, steeped in a cup of hot water (covered) for 15 minutes- drink this 3 times a day. Juniper is also a mild circulatory stimulant.
Do not use during pregnancy because of the vaso-dilating and diuretic effect that could affect the vascular lining of the uterus. Avoid in kidney disease.
Be sure of the identity of any plant before you use it. If a preparation makes you sick or gives you a rash, don't use it, and throw it away! If your condition does not improve, see your doctor. Be sure to let your physician know EVERYTHING that you are taking!