Juniper berry is one form of fruit and there are six of the fruit which can be eaten. Juniper berry have tremendous health benefits which makes them a wonderful choice to be added in your diet. Let us know about the benefits of juniper berry in the following paragraphs.
Health Benefits of Juniper Berry:
Juniper berries have a pungent, pine-like flavor and are mostly used to spice up many cuisines; including the Indian and European recipes. In ancient Greece, Juniper berry was used for its medical benefits.
Today, we can find these berries also in some beauty products such as lipstick, eye shadow, foundation, hair conditioner, bath oils etc. However, below we will know about Juniper berries health benefits.
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Health Benefits of Juniper Berry From Their Antioxidant Properties:
Juniper berry contains high levels of unsaturated fats and antioxidants. In a report from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran, it was found that the essential oil from juniper berries possess impressive antioxidant effects and have ability to sweep up damaging free radicals. There are also other studies which suggest juniper berries contain rich amount of antioxidants in them.
These antioxidants aid to neutralize free radicals in the body, which otherwise can cause the development of diseases such as cancer, arthritis and also cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, antioxidants also maintain youthful and healthy skin by fighting wrinkles, aiding in cell regeneration and reducing inflammation.
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Anti-microbial Property and Health Benefits of Juniper Berry:
Juniper berry also has excellent anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties. The anti bacterial property of juniper berry makes it more effective for fighting against the gram negative bacteria causing pneumonia, Gonorrhea, E.coli etc. and also Gram positive bacteria causing Staphylococcus aureus infections(which is often resistant to antibiotic) or MRSA.
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Diuretic Properties of Juniper Berry Promotes Urination:
It is also known that eating juniper berries may relieve symptoms of water retention and bloating. As per The University of Michigan, Juniper berry is a diuretic, which means it increases the urine output. It is true that diuretics are extremely useful when attempting to combat excess water retention in the body, which may often be caused by consuming excess of sodium or from an injury or inflammation.
The University of Michigan notes that because of this diuretic action, juniper berry may prevent urinary tract infections, by aiding to flush out toxins and bacteria in the urinary system. The diuretic nature of juniper berry also helps people who are suffering from an accumulation of water in their body, or swelling because of minor or chronic renal failure. Moreover, it also helps in weight loss, as each time you urinate, some amount of fats are lost from the body. This also reduces blood pressure, removes extra salts and other dangerous toxins such as uric acid from the body.
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Detox Benefits of Juniper Berry:
Juniper berry also has a “Depurative” property, which means, “One which purifies”. The essential oil of juniper berry cleans the blood of toxins and so acts as a detoxifier or a blood purifier. It aids in removing the common toxins such as uric acid, pollutants, heavy metals and certain compounds and hormones that are produced by the body itself. It actually empties the blood of these common toxins and also other foreign toxins which get in to the blood accidentally.
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Digestive Health Benefits of Juniper Berry:
Caramative agents aid in the removal of gases from the intestines. Gas, when trapped in the intestines and forced upwards, can actually be too dangerous and sometimes can even be fatal. When gas pushes upwards, it can also choke a person, cause chest pain, uneasiness, indigestion, raise the blood pressure and also threaten your heart health and get you acute stomach aches. Juniper berry will help you greatly in this respect. It can ease your discomfort and remove the gases easily through the downward passage and does not let formation of additional gases. Juniper oil is actually very good for people suffering from chronic gas trouble. So, here we know that juniper berry aids in proper digestion.
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Juniper Berry is Rubefacient and That Makes it Beneficial for Skin Health:
Rubefacient means an agent that makes your face look red. However, this property is not limited only to the face, but also with the rest of the body. Juniper berry is Rubefacient in nature. When such an agent is applied on the skin, it increases the circulation of blood just below the skin to such an extent that the skin begins to look red in color. Increased blood circulation below the skin makes the skin healthy and well oxygenated. However, it must also be mentioned that this may also cause irritation to the skin if applied in excess.
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Being Sudorific; Juniper Berry is Beneficial for Overall Health
Sudorific substances are the agents which can bring about heavy sweating or perspiration. With occasional perspiration, you feel lighter, healthier and aids in the removal of toxins, excess salt and water via the sweat. This cleans the skin pores and openings of sweat and sebum glands, which prevents several skin diseases such as acne. Juniper oil has powerful sudorific properties.
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Benefits of Juniper Berry is Relieving Joint Pain
Anti-inflammatory property of juniper berry makes it an ideal source for relieving pain and inflammation related to joint problems such as rheumatism, arthritis etc. Juniper essential oil enhances and improves blood circulation and also aids in removal of toxins like uric acid from the body. Both these properties aid in fighting ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism etc; which are related to improper circulation and toxin accumulation in the body.
Washing joints with a tea prepared of juniper berry aid to relieve pain and soreness from them.
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Oral Health Benefits:
One of the major benefits of juniper berry is its benefits to the oral health. Being an astringent, Juniper essential oil aids cure toothaches, strengthens the grips of gums on your teeth and also protects them from loosening or falling out. This property of astringent can also help in the cure of diarrhea as well.
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Weight Loss Benefits:
Not only are there many juniper berries health benefits, but they can also help you lose weight. This is because juniper is a diuretic, depurative, and a sudorific. It not only helps to cleanse toxins from the blood, but also helps to increase the frequency of urination and perspiration. This can significantly aid in weight loss.
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Being a Stimulant; Juniper Berry Helps in Improving Brain and Mental Health:
Juniper berry, especially the essential oil acts as a stimulant, and it stimulates all the activities within the body. This stimulating effect also aids overcoming fatigue, depression, dizziness etc. Moreover, it also increases the activity of the brain and neuron, nervous system, etc.
Being a stimulant, also makes juniper oil increase secretions of endocrine and exocrine glands, increases activity of digestive system and excretory system.
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Being Antiseptic, Juniper Berry is Beneficial for Healing of Wounds:
Juniper berries may also be used for healing of wounds. Crushing the berries and applying topically can protect wounds from becoming septic or developing tetanus. This is because of the antiseptic property of the juniper berries. Since ages, juniper essential oil has been used for people who were injured in wars or athletics were also treated with it. It was also used in injuries sustained by both the mother and the baby during difficult labors.
How to Use Juniper Berry?
- You can crush juniper berries and rub the on meat or add it to fish sauce.
- However in case you are using supplement, then 2-10 grams of dried juniper berries each day or 20 to 100 milligrams of oil each day will be fine.
- Juniper tea can also be prepared by steeping a few juniper berries in hot water.
Make sure you limit the consumption of juniper berries, as long term use can cause kidney problems. It is also advisable to consult your doctor before taking any supplement.
Conclusion:
Though, Juniper Berry offers many health benefits, it may also result in contradiction, in case of pregnancy. So, pregnant women should avoid this and also people with kidney problems must also avoid taking juniper berries.
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