The Juniper Tree, Medicine and Magic

The Juniper is the epitome of the Southwestern tree. It is common throughout the high deserts. There are two types of Juniper species.  One grows in the dry foothills between 1500 to 8000 feet in elevation, and the tree usually stands next to the pinon pine. Above 8000 feet the Juniper grows as a blue-green flat shrub with sharp needles. And both types produce berries.

The Juniper is mistakenly called a cedar, but is actually in the Cypress family. There are 13 species native to North America, of which only the Alligator Juniper has little to no, medicinal value. (But of course, has a distinctive personality!)

The berries begin as bright green, slowly maturing to a blue or purple color when they are ready to be harvested. Both the needles and the berries are beneficial, and can be collected year round. They can be used in a tincture, a tea or whole.

Primarily used as an aid for urinary tract maladies, a teaspoon of berries or crushed leaves in a tea three times a day is the recommended dose. It is a diuretic and has also been used to reduce fevers. Several berries chewed before meals is said to help in digestion and has also been a cure for stomachache.

Topically it can be used in salves for eczema and psoriasis due to the anti-inflammatory qualities Juniper possesses.

Many North American tribes have used five Juniper berries daily, steeped in tea, as a contraceptive. (Therefore it is not recommended for pregnant women, it does cause uterine contractions.)

But the magic in this tree is the many cultures that view it as a talisman to ward off "evil spirits, bad influences, and plague".  The aroma of this tree is pungent and said to get rid of "bad vibes". It can be found mixed into smudge sticks of sagebrush and when lit, creates a distinctive smell. Even bringing a branch of Juniper into the house as a wreath can create this desired effect.

Add this aroma to your house this fall to chase away all the leftover negative energy! The Earth provides what we need, when we need it. And Juniper is waiting in the hills to be of service.