When it comes to superfoods, berries are on top of the list simply because they are crammed with beneficial antioxidants. One such berry that can help you a great deal is the juniper berry and over the years, scientific research has proven what a miracle it is.

Botanically speaking, the juniper berry isn't an actual fruit but the juniper t's seed cone. It's regarded as a berry because of its scales. The juniper is an evergreen tree and there are evidently 6 species of this tree whose berries are edible and used for a whole lot of beneficial uses.

Juniper berries are widely used in European cooking, particularly meat based foods as it gives a distinct flavor. Gin lovers also might be surprised to find out that juniper berries are the main ingredient in gin. But the juniper berry is most well known for its reputation as a herbal remedy for an incredibly long list of conditions and ailments.

How it helps

The juniper is indeed a beneficial tree as most of its parts are used for some sort of medicinal preparation or the other. So, the berries, leaves, bark and even oil derived from the berries and wood are used in various ways.

Basically a bitter tasting berry, the juniper berry contains many essential oils or volatile oils, fiber, vitamin C, flavonoids and whole lot of active constituents that makes it the breakthrough healer that it is. Note that juniper berries can be consumed in the form of teas and the crushed berries can be applied topically also for a variety of diseases.

Here is a look at some of the uses of the juniper berry and how it can aid us lead healthier lives:

• Juniper is considered to be a herb with the most powerful effects on kidneys. It is also used to cure various urinary tract infections and it can get rid of uric acid from the body. Juniper makes the kidneys work faster and the body makes more urine, making it an excellent diuretic also.

• People facing water retention problems can feel a lot of relief with the juniper berry and its oil because of its diuretic properties.

• Oil from the juniper berry has an antiseptic effect and it comes as a great relief to people suffering from urethritis and cystitis.

• Suffering from digestive problems? The juniper berry might just be your solution as it can help reduce flatulence and colic and aid digestion. It also eases problems such as bloating, belching and heartburn. As a digestive support, it is excellent as it relieves gas, increases the appetite and boosts the production of gastric acid.

• The juniper berry also has anti-inflammatory qualities and it is of excellent help to those suffering from arthritis, gout and other conditions such as rheumatism. These joint related ailments appear because of the fluid retention around these joints and the juniper berry with its diuretic action relieves this pressure considerably.

• Skin ailments such as dandruff, acne and athlete's foot can also be treated with topical application of the juniper berry.

• Juniper helps in reviving the muscle tone and noticeably reducing the effects of ageing for most people.

• Menstrual cramps are usually some of the most troublesome aspects of a woman's life, but these can also be reduced significantly with the help of the juniper berry. Many herbalists even use the juniper to improve the uterus tone and to help those who have slow or late starting periods.

• Concentrated oils of the juniper are used on the skin for lung congestion and coughs while it is also crucial in helping those suffering from respiratory infections. The volatile oils help in clearing up bronchial passages and getting rid of mucus.

• It has a high concentration of insulin and helps in healing the pancreas.

• Essential oils extracted from juniper berries can aid in relieving toothache and making gums stronger. It can also be used to control hair fall.

• Lastly, the juniper berry is used by numerous to slim down and since it even cleanses the toxins from the body, it is a great total purifier as well.

Precautions

The juniper berry does have some significant side effects and it's important that you are aware of them before you begin using them as any form of treatment.

• Avoid the juniper berry if you have severe kidney problems as it can aggravate the problem and cause further damage.

• If you use more than the prescribed amount, chances are that you could suffer from diarrhea, kidney pain, high blood pressure, fast heartbeat and purplish urine.

• When taken internally, it can affect the absorption of iron and various other minerals.

• Open wounds are best not treated with juniper because it can cause discomfort and swelling.

• Juniper causes uterine spasms and could lead to lowered fertility, so women who are attempting to get pregnant should avoid juniper.

• Pregnant women should not use juniper as it can cause uterine contractions and cause an abortion.

• Diabetics should be careful while using juniper as it can increase the levels of glucose in the body.

The juniper berry when taken in advisable amounts and with people who do not have the indicated problems as mentioned above, can be a godsend as it provides them with a lot of relief.