Juniper: a plant beyond the ordinary

Juniper, specifically Juniperus communis L., belonging to the Cupressaceae family, is a shrub that grows 1-2 meters tall, highly branched from the base, but can also appear as a small tree or creeping shrub.

The Juniper genus includes about 60 species, such as J. oxycedrus, J. sabina, J. virginiana, J. Ashei, J. phoenicea, J. thurifera, and many others.

It features leaves ranging from just over 1 cm to 2 cm in length, with a base width of about 1 mm, pointed and prickly. Their lower side has a protruding line and a whitish groove on the upper side, all covered by a layer of wax. The leaves are arranged on the branch in trimerous whorls.

Flowering occurs in March, and being a dioecious plant, it has male and female flowers on different individuals.

Male flowers are axillary, arranged in a pendulous spike (catkins), while female flowers are represented by fertile scales (generally three), each carrying an ovule.

The mature ovules, improperly called fruits, represent the drug and are called “coccole,” “galbuli,” but also “strobili” or berries.

They mature every two years and reach the balsamic period in autumn. They are numerous, spherical, a bit wider than long, and measure 5-8 mm, with a brown-black color, tending towards violet due to the layer of wax (pruina) covering them. They appear as globular cones derived from the fusion of three fleshy scales.

Each “coccola” has a smooth epicarp, thin pulp, and spongy flesh containing 3 light brown seeds. Removing the upper part of the pseudo-fruit reveals trimerous seeds, usually fused to the pulp at the bottom, free at the top, joined to form a pyramid with 3 edges; this feature easily distinguishes juniper and discourages potential adulterations.

Harvesting takes place in late summer; the “garbugli” is hand-collected and stored in wooden containers. Before distillation, a pre-fermentation is necessary, aided by the natural sugar content present in the galbulus.

The habitat of this plant ranges from marine to mountainous areas, including heaths, dry pastures, or thickets. It is present in all temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.

Once mature, the “coccole” take on an aromatic flavor, thanks to the presence of glands containing a resinous essence.

The scent is also aromatic and distinctive.

The drug contains an essential oil mainly composed of monoterpenes (alpha-pinene, myrcene, sabinene, limonene, camphene, alpha-terpinene) and sesquiterpenes, in addition to resins.

The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation and has a yield ranging from 0.8 to 2%. According to the European Pharmacopoeia IV, the fruiting cones must contain no less than 10 ml/kg of essential oil.

The main effect of Juniper is diuretic, particularly acting on the glomerular filtration of the kidney, increasing it. Hence, its use is not recommended for extended periods for individuals with renal issues and pregnant women. Juniper is recommended for cystitis and non-renal edema, serving as a urinary tract antiseptic and balsamic.

It is also indicated for external use in the form of ointment for rheumatic pains and eczema.

In cosmetics, it is applied to the scalp for anti-dandruff treatments.

Juniper finds its place in the liquor industry as well: after fermentation and distillation, the fruits give rise to juniper brandy, the famous English “Gin,” and the Tyrolean “Kranewitter.” Soaking them in alcohol provides an excellent bitter tonic.

Gin was invented in the 17th century by the Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius, interested in formulating a diuretic tincture. The word “gin” actually derives from “geniver,” Dutch for juniper.

A tonifying and relaxing bath can be prepared by placing a handful of crushed and infused fruits in warm water. The fruits can also be used to purify and tone the skin. Thrushes are particularly fond of juniper “coccole.” In Nordic countries, wood is used for making sticks and baskets, while the bark is used for ropes. If the entire plant is burned, it deodorizes and refreshes the surroundings.

In veterinary medicine, the essential oil is a natural remedy and an effective insecticide, used against mites and animal fleas.

Since ancient times, juniper has been considered useful for protection against evil spirits, spells, and enchantments. According to medieval superstition, cutting down a juniper meant causing the death of a family member within a year.

In England, the plant’s branches were scattered on the floor to perfume the rooms and purify the air. Placing a juniper next to the front door was believed to keep witches away.

Ancients used various parts of this plant. They burned the wood for both therapeutic and propitiatory purposes. They believed that juniper fumigations fought germs and were beneficial for the sick. This led to extensive use during plague and smallpox epidemics. With the ash, an ointment was produced believed to counteract leprosy, scabies, mange, and itching.

In the early 1900s, in the Emilian countryside, the custom of burning juniper wood for propitiatory purposes persisted: it was burned on Christmas Eve, and the ash was preserved to perform various superstitious rituals throughout the year.

Even the ancient Egyptians were acquainted with Juniper and used its oil and berries in the embalming process.

ANJA LATINI

Registered Herbalist at RNEP No. GLT0018S