Comprising more than 70 species and countless uses, the juniper berry is a true “power plant.”
Juniper is a strong aromatic herb from an evergreen plant or tree that grows in temperate regions of Northern Europe, Asia and North America. The cone of the juniper is referred to as the “berry” and grows in various colors, from green to blue to red to black, and has a small flower bloom.
Though it’s called a “berry,” juniper is not a fruit. Rather, it’s a type of spice with a bitter but citrusy taste. Essential oils made from crushed, dried or fermented juniper berries have a notable scent that combines fruitiness with woodiness.
Juniper berries are a common flavoring for drinks, in cooking and in preserving food. Some foodies substitute black pepper with juniper berries to get a little spiciness, minus the bite. Juniper berries are also used to flavor gin and beer, frozen desserts, candy, gelatins, puddings and non-alcoholic beverages.
Juniper berries also have many health benefits. Health-conscious consumers use them as a stimulant to detox or flush out impurities in the bladder and kidneys. Juniper berry is considered an herbal bitter, and is often used to promote digestion and as an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agent. Many juniper berry-based essential oils are sold online as remedies that calm nervous tension, soothe sore muscles and joints, increase focus, promote weight loss, lessen cold and flu symptoms and promote respiration.
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