Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Internal use cautioned — junipers contain irritant volatile oils (and the 'savin' group is abortifacient); concentrated internal use can irritate kidneys/uterus.
Contraindications: Pregnancy (uterine stimulant / 'savin' reputation), kidney disease; avoid high internal doses.
Interactions: Diuretic effect — caution with diuretics; possible hypoglycemic interaction.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Contraindicated in pregnancy (uterine stimulant / savin reputation).
Evidence level
Documented in systematic traditional medicine literature.
Preparations
steam/infusion · leaf/twig
Part used: leaf/twig
poultice · leaf/twig
Part used: leaf/twig
smudge/smoke (ceremonial) · leaf/twig
Part used: leaf/twig
Traditional use: purification smudge; foliage tea/steam for colds, coughs, rheumatism; poultices for skin; berries for various complaints
Proposed mechanism: aromatic oils (incl. thujone-class terpenes); antimicrobial in vitro
Dosage note (descriptive only): avoid high internal doses
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
n/a (aromatic).
Healing traditions
Related plants
Sources (2)
- USDA NRCS (Juniperus virginiana)
- Moerman, Native American Ethnobotany
Sourcing & resources
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