Did you know that Juniper berries aren’t true berries? They are actually the female part of the pine cone for the juniper tree. Now you’d think that if something is called a berry, it would be a berry! Juniper trees being of the pine family though does make sense.

Botanical: Juniperus communis

Family: Cupressaceae (cypress) – Coniferae (conifer)

Other common names: Common Juniper, Ground Juniper, Juniper Berries, Gin Berries

This “berry” has been used as flavoring for gin and also in European cuisine for its distinguishing sharp, clear flavor. It tends to cut the gaminess of wild game. This berry’s use as a spice can be traced all the way back to Egyptian times and could have gotten there via Greece. It’s takes 3-4 years for the green berries to ripen to a nice purple-blue color.

Juniper berries have diuretic properties and are packed full of Vitamin C. They have been used for remedies related to kidneys and urinary tract infections back in history.   Avoid during pregnancy and any kidney problems. Other properties include anti-microbial, antiseptic, carminative (causing expulsion of gas from the stomach or bowel), anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory and camphorous. It is also known to promote mental clarity, stimulate lymphatic drainage.    In recent lab studies, Juniper has demonstrated antiviral activity.

Infused in olive oil and paired with peppermint essential oil and bentonite clay, these ingredients make a wonderful all natural handmade soap named Faustine Clay. Take a look see!

Happy Washing and thank you for you time!

~Regina