--- title: "Juniper Berry: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "EMA recognises juniper berry tea as a traditional remedy for urinary flushing and indigestion. Not for kidney disease, pregnancy or people under 18." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/juniper-berry/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Juniper Berry Juniperus communis T Traditional use EMA recognises juniper berry tea as a traditional remedy for urinary flushing and indigestion. Not for kidney disease, pregnancy or people under 18. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** berry (fleshy cone) **Key constituents:** Essential oil (alpha-pinene, sabinene, terpinen-4-ol), Flavonoids, Tannins 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 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 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. \[1\] ### 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. 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Juniperus communis L., galbulus (pseudo-fructus) (Revision 1)](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-juniperus-communis-l-pseudo-fructus-galbulus-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2023 · Monograph Source accessed: October 24, 2026 ### Cite This Page Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/juniper-berry/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [Herbal Products in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herbal-products-in-pregnancy/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Milk Thistle](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/milk-thistle/) T Traditional use Silybum marianum Milk thistle fruit is traditionally used to support liver function, after a doctor has ruled out serious disease, and for indigestion. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Cranberry](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cranberry/) B Limited clinical evidence Vaccinium macrocarpon Cranberry products may lower the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections; they do not clear an existing infection. People on warfarin should ask first. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Olive Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/olive-leaf/) B Limited clinical evidence Olea europaea Olive leaf is traditionally used for mild water retention; its extract may lower blood pressure slightly. Not advised in pregnancy or under 18. [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Pumpkin Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/pumpkin-seed/) B Limited clinical evidence Cucurbita pepo Pumpkin seed is traditionally used for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement or overactive bladder, after a doctor rules out serious disease. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Corn Silk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/corn-silk/) T Traditional use Zea mays A tea made from the silky threads of corn cobs, traditionally drunk to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints. It does not cause weight loss. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Horsetail](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/horsetail/) T Traditional use Equisetum arvense Horsetail is traditionally used to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and, on the skin, to support healing of superficial wounds. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea) [Dried Herb & Tea →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Black Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-tea/) A Strong clinical evidence Camellia sinensis Its caffeine can increase attention and alertness. Observational studies link regular tea drinking to lower cardiovascular risk. [Energy & Focus](https://herbadex.com/en/for/energy-focus/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Artichoke Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/artichoke-leaf/) B Limited clinical evidence Cynara cardunculus (syn. C. scolymus) Artichoke leaf is traditionally used for indigestion with fullness, bloating and wind; it must not be used with gallbladder disease. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.