Juniper Berry
Juniperus communis
T Traditional useEMA recognises juniper berry tea as a traditional remedy for urinary flushing and indigestion. Not for kidney disease, pregnancy or people under 18.
Juniper BerryOn this page
At a glance
Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) is really a fleshy, purple-black, resin-scented cone. EMA recognises the traditional use of its tea to increase urine and flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints, and for indigestion and wind. It should not be used with severe kidney disease, in pregnancy or under 18.
Updated: October 24, 2026
Sources include an EMA HMPC monograph. Its scope is limited to the specified species, plant part and preparation; this is not professional approval.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.
How do we rate evidence levels? →EMA recognises juniper berry as a traditional herbal medicinal product used to increase the amount of urine to flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints. Adequate fluid intake is needed with this use. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.
How do we rate evidence levels? →EMA recognises juniper berry as a traditional use for symptomatic relief of digestive disorders such as indigestion and wind. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
For urinary complaints, crushed berries are steeped in boiling water; drink plenty of fluid during use. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks.
Amount: 2–2.5 g in 150 ml boiling water, 1–3 times a day (2.5–6 g a day)
Duration limit: 2 weeks
[1]Tea
For indigestion and wind, crushed berries are steeped in boiling water and drunk. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks.
Amount: 2–2.5 g in 150 ml boiling water, 1–4 times a day (2.5–10 g a day)
Duration limit: 2 weeks
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 18 years
- People with severe kidney disease (including infectious interstitial nephritis, pyelitis and pyelonephritis) should not use it for urinary flushing.
- Do not use it if your doctor has advised you to limit fluids.
- Not recommended under 18 due to lack of data.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established.
- See a doctor if there is fever, painful urination, cramps or blood in the urine.
- Juniper essential oil is not covered by this assessment; do not take it by mouth.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- No known side effects
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Frequently asked questions
Is juniper berry a diuretic?
EMA recognises juniper berry tea as a traditional use to increase urine and flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints. It is not used with severe kidney disease.
Is juniper berry bad for the kidneys?
EMA lists no known side effects, but use for urinary flushing is not recommended with severe kidney disease or kidney inflammation. Ask your doctor if you have kidney disease.
How do you make juniper berry tea?
According to EMA, 2–2.5 g of crushed berries are steeped in 150 ml of boiling water; drink 1–3 times a day for urinary use or 1–4 times a day for indigestion.
Can I use juniper berry while pregnant?
No. EMA does not recommend use in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established.
Does juniper berry lower blood sugar?
This use is not part of the EMA assessment and there are no verified human data.
Sources
Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.
- European Union herbal monograph on Juniperus communis L., galbulus (pseudo-fructus) (Revision 1)EMA HMPC · 2023 · MonographSource accessed:
Cite This Page
Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/juniper-berry/
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