Juniper Juniperus communis

Juniper closely resembles cypress, and like cypress it is valued for its detoxifying action on the body. The use and reputation of juniper berries and their own is ancient, yet few human studies have been done. Many Native American tribes of North America have traditionally used juniper for a wide range of ailments. ^Herbalgram

Juniper helps to eliminate excess water and is used as a mild diuretic to treat to treat urinary problems, usually in combination with other herbs. In 1984, the German Commission E approved the use of juniper dried fruit in teas and extracts to relieve dyspepsia (disturbed digestion or indigestion), but did not approve juniper as a single-ingredient aquaretic (an agent that increases urine flow, without affecting electrolyte balance). Juniper's detoxifying properties are also employed in the treatment of wounds and inflamatory diseases such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis and according to studies inhibited the formation of inflammatory prostaglanins. ^{(Tyler, 93)}

In addition juniper berries help clear congestion so are often included in cold remedies to relieve congestion and improve breathing Indeed, juniper berries have such a wide range of uses that no herbal medicine chest should be without them.