About this ingredient
Ingredients
Juniper is a botanical ingredient commonly derived from the ripe berry-like cones of Juniperus communis, also known as common juniper. Juniper berries contain naturally occurring volatile oils, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds. Juniper may be supplied as dried berries, powder, extract, or essential oil, with the exact composition depending on the plant material and processing method.
Juniper generally refers to botanical preparations obtained from Juniperus communis, a coniferous plant whose mature berry-like cones are commonly used in traditional herbal preparations. The EMA identifies Juniperus communis as the botanical source of juniper berry preparations.
Juniper berries contain naturally occurring volatile oils and other plant constituents, including terpene compounds. Preparations may be available as dried berries, powders, liquid extracts, capsules, teas, or other botanical formulations. Juniper essential oil is a separate preparation with a different concentration and intended use.
Juniper is traditionally associated with digestive and urinary wellness. The EMA has documented traditional use of juniper berry preparations in certain minor digestive complaints and urinary-tract-related preparations, including traditional diuretic combinations. These uses are based on traditional-use evidence rather than strong clinical-trial evidence.
Because concentrated botanical preparations can have safety considerations, the specific plant part, extract strength, serving size, and formulation should be checked carefully. Juniper preparations are not appropriate for everyone, and professional advice is particularly important for people with kidney conditions, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or when taking medicines.