JUNIPER BUSH.

Description

Juniperis Communis.—It is needless to give a of a bush so commonly known. It grows plentifully in several woods in Kent; Warney Common, near Brentford, in Essex; upon Finchley Common, Newfound wells, near Dulwich, upon a common between Mitcham and Croydon; and other places. The berries, however, are chiefly brought from Holland.

The berries continue green two Summers and one Winter before they are ripe, at which time they are of a purplish black colour, and therefore you will always find upon the bush green berries.

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Uses of Juniper:

The berries have a strong aromatic odour peculiar to themselves, and a flavour much like that of turpentine. They are aromatic, stimulating, diuretic, and diaphoretic, and are chiefly employed as a combination wits other remedies, and to increase the discharge of urine in dropsy. The oil of juniper is an effective expellant of wind, and it quickly relieves colic. It is a good stomachic. An infusion of the berries will have a similar effect; say a pint of boiling water poured on 2 or 3 ounces of the berries, taking a cupful every three hours. From 6 to 12 berries eaten will have a similar effect. They are very good for a cough, shortness of breath, and pains in the belly. They are good in all kinds of agues, are good for gout, sciatica, and they give strength to the limbs. The ashes of the wood make an excellent dentrifice for scurvy in the gums. They are useful in dysentery, stone, and diseases of the kidneys.

The essential oil of Juniper is a prime ingredient in Geneva or Hollands Gin, and upon which its flavour and diuretic properties depend. English Gin, however, has more of turpentine than of this oil in it. The dose of the oil is from 3 to 6 drops.