Juniper berries have been used for centuries in traditional Native American medicine for their healing properties. These small, blue-black berries are derived from the evergreen juniper shrub, which is native to North America.

One of the primary traditional uses of juniper berries is for their diuretic properties. Native American tribes would use juniper berries to promote urine production and treat urinary tract infections. The berries were often brewed into a tea or infused into a tincture for this purpose.

In addition to their diuretic effects, juniper berries also possess antimicrobial properties. They contain compounds such as terpinen-4-ol and alpha-pinene, which have been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal activity. Native Americans would use juniper berries to treat various infections, including respiratory infections and skin conditions.

Furthermore, juniper berries are rich in antioxidants. These compounds help protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Native American medicine often utilized juniper berries to promote overall health and well-being.

One example of the traditional use of juniper berries is by the Navajo tribe. They would use juniper berries in a poultice to treat wounds and burns. The crushed berries were applied directly to the affected area to promote healing and relieve pain.

References:

1. Moerman, D. E. (1998). Native American ethnobotany. Portland, Or: Timber Press.
2. Adams, R. P. (2004). Junipers of the world: The genus Juniperus. Bloomington: Trafford Publishing.
3. Paulsen, E., & Christensen, L. P. (2017). Terpenes and Phenolics of Juniperus communis L.: Antimicrobial Activities and Interactions with Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Epithelial Cells. Molecules, 22(8), 1327. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22081327