Juniperus occidentalis

Juniperus occidentalis
Family:Juniperus occidentalis; Analgesic; Antiseptic; Birthing aid; Blood tonic; Diuretic; Febrifuge; Laxative; Odontalgic; Poultice.
Common name:Western juniper
Western juniper was quite widely employed as a medicinal herb by a number of native North American tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints especially those related to the kidneys and the skin. It is rarely if at all used in modern herbalism. The leaves are blood tonic and laxative. A decoction is used in the treatment of constipation coughs and colds. An infusion of the leaves has been taken by pregnant women prior to giving birth in order to relax the muscles. A poultice of the pounded moistened leaves has been applied to the jaw to treat swollen and sore gums and toothaches. The berries are analgesic blood tonic and diuretic. A decoction is used to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps and to induce urination. Externally the decoction is used as a poultice on rheumatic joints. The young twigs are antiseptic blood tonic and febrifuge. A decoction is used in the treatment of kidney problems fevers stomach aches smallpox influenza and haemorrhages. The branches have been used in a sweat bath to ease rheumatism. A poultice of the twigs has been used as a dressing on burns and as a drawing agent on boils or splinters. A decoction has been used as an antiseptic wash on sores. The leaves or young twigs have been burnt and the smoke inhaled to ease the pain of headaches.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:53 []