Juniper. Juniperus communis.

Synonym—Juniper berries.

CONSTITUENTS—

Volatile oil, resin, gum, wax, starch, sugar, salts.

PREPARATIONS—

Extractum Juniperi Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Juniper. Dose, from one to two drams.

Oleum Juniperi. Oil of Juniper. This is a volatile oil obtained from juniper berries by distillation, and is of a pale greenish or yellowish color, and of a warm, terebinthinate taste. Dose, from five to twenty minims.

Oleum Cadinum. Oil of Cade. This is an empyrheumatic oil obtained from the wood of Juniperus Oxycedrus, a shrub resembling common juniper, by dry distillation, and is a dark-colored, thick liquid with a tarry odor, and a burning, bitter taste. Dose, from three to five drops.

Therapy—Juniper has long been in use as a general diuretic and soothing kidney remedy. It is indicated in feeble or aged patients with persistent dragging or weight across the kidneys. In chronic disease it is especially beneficial. In pyelitis, pyelonephritis and cystitis, all of a chronic form, it is of value.

It will quickly relieve many cases of simple renal hyperemia, preventing the development of structural change, or the advancement of nephritis. After acute nephritis, whether from direct causes, or subsequent to scarlet fever, diphtheria, or other severe disease, when active inflammation has subsided, it will restore the secretory power of the epithelium of the renal tubules and readjust the secretory function to the blood pressure, restoring normal action. It is useful in strangury, and in some dropsies where there is absence of acute inflammation.

The oil of cade is applicable to skin diseases, especially moist eczema. It may be applied directly, but is quite severe upon an irritable or sensitive surface. It can be incorporated with an ointment base to excellent advantage. It is a useful agent in psoriasis, and as a parasiticide it will destroy psora and cure favus.

It was at one time in common use as an application to skin diseases and parasites in domestic animals.

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.