JUNIPER BERRIES

Juniperus communis: Coniferae

PLANET: Sun

ELEMENT: Fire

TASTE: pungent, bitter, sweet	VIPAKA: heating
WARMTH: pungent	DOSHAS: V- P+K-

MERIDIANS: Kidney, Spleen

ACTIONS: alterative (decreases uric acid), diuretic, diaphoretic, stimulant, carminative, anodyne, bactericidal disinfectant.

INDICATIONS: edema, sciatica, lumbago, arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes, weak digestion, flatulence, weak immune system, dysmenorrhea, best diuretic for Vata, diabetes

PRECAUTIONS: can be irritating in acute cystitis: use demulcents. Avoid in nephritis. Avoid in pregnancy. Makes urine purple.

CONSTITUENTS: volatile oil (1-2%) (see below), tannins, sugars, resin, vitamin C

PREPARATION AND USE:
-can be irritant, best used with demulcent diuretic
-apply a paste to sore, swollen joint
-infusion of powdered berries; don't boil
-for arthritis, continue treatment bid for 4-6 weeks
-for diabetes, use with goldenseal

NUTRITIONAL USE: used for flavouring.

USE IN MAGIC: protection, anti-theft, love, exorcism, health
-burned in exorcism rites
-hung over door to protect house
-worn to protect against wild animals and accidents
-used in love spells and to increase male potency
-increases psychic powers and breaks hexes and curses
-protects against anything injurious to health
-attracts healthy energies

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-purifying action extends into aura and subtle body, destroy negative astral influences
-protects the aura from negative influences and attracts positive energies
-fantasies, unreal expectations and needs will be clarified

"I cleanse myself of depression and inadequacy, and my new lightness of being allows me to manifest my dreams."

THE ESSENTIAL OIL

ACTIONS: antiseptic, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, antitoxin, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, nervine, rubrefacient, sedative, stomachic, tonic, vulnerary.

INDICATIONS: cystitis, urethritis, bronchitis, coughs, colic, gastroenteritis, worms, gout, rheumatism, arthritis, acne, eczema, hair loss, hemorrhoids, oily complexion, wounds, arteriosclerosis, cellulitis, obesity, colds, flu, infections, amenorrhea, leucorrhea, dysmenorrhea, anxiety, stress-related conditions

DOSE: 1-3 drops

USE IN MAGIC:
-sacred to Inanna and Ishtar, and the goddesses and gods of Sumer and Babylon
-used to purify homes and fields
-protective against negative energy