How to make juniper berry tea

Here is how to make Juniper berry tea, a delicious herbal tea made of dried juniper berries that is packed with medicinal benefits. 

You might be enjoying juniper berries without even realizing it! If you’re a fan of gin, you’ve likely noticed their sharp citrus and pine notes. They’re the star flavor in many botanical gins.

Now, imagine sipping on those same delightful flavors in a warm, soothing cup of homemade juniper berry tea. Once you discover its amazing benefits, it just might become your new favorite brew!

What is juniper berry tea?

Juniper berry tea is an herbal tea made from the berries of the Juniperus communis plant. This evergreen shrub grows in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia, and produces seed cones that resemble berries.

These tiny berries have been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes since ancient times, and modern research indicates they may provide many health benefits.

Foraging Juniper berries

To make tea, look for a Juniperus communis tree, which has needle leaves and produces small, berry-like seed cones that are blue, purple, or black when ripe. Ensure you are harvesting from a tree that has no signs of contamination, such as near roadways or industrial areas.

Juniper berries ripen in late summer to fall. Wait until they are fully ripe (soft and dark in color) before picking. Unripe berries are green and should be left to ripen.

However, be careful, as not all juniper berry varieties are edible. While Juniperus communis (common juniper) is safe for consumption and commonly used in cooking, teas, and herbal remedies, other juniper tree varieties can be toxic or unsuitable for eating. For example, Juniperus sabina (savine juniper) is toxic and you should avoid it, as well as other species like Juniperus chinensis (Chinese juniper) and Juniperus horizontalis (creeping juniper),

Health benefits of Juniper berries

Digestive Support

The volatile oils in juniper berries have long been valued for their therapeutic properties. Recent studies highlight their potential to support digestive health, combat bacterial infections, address parasites, and more, making juniper berry tea a flavorful and healthful choice.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Their natural compounds may help reduce inflammation, making them beneficial for conditions like arthritis.

Rich in Antioxidants

Juniper berries are also rich in vitamin C antioxidants and essential oils, which may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. Studies (1) suggest their essential oil contains compounds like monoterpenes that reduce cellular damage and inflammation.

Ease Kidney Problems

Traditionally used as a natural diuretic, they may help increase urine flow, flushing toxins and waste and treating urinary tract infections.

Additionally, they help prevent kidney stones by boosting bile production, which aids in eliminating substances that contribute to their formation.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Some studies (2) suggest juniper berries may aid in managing blood sugar levels and decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes , by regulating blood sugar levels.

Juniper Berries for Skin Health and Infections

Juniper berries are known for their powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, as demonstrated in test-tube and animal studies. They can help inhibit harmful bacteria, including mycobacteria. However, further research in humans is needed to confirm their effectiveness in treating infections.

Natural Relief for Urinary Tract Infections

For those suffering from urinary tract infections, juniper berries may provide relief. Their antibacterial, diuretic and antiseptic properties make them a promising herbal ally in combating UTIs.

Respiratory Relief

Known to alleviate coughs and respiratory discomfort, they’ve been used in traditional remedies for colds and congestion.

How to make Juniper berry tea

First Step: Prepare the Berries

Lightly crush 1-2 teaspoons of dried juniper berries using a mortar and pestle. The back of a spoon works for the fresh berries.

Second Step: Steep the Berries

Add crushed juniper seeds to a tea infuser, or if you don’t have one, add them directly to your cup or teapot.
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Pour the boiling water over the berries and let them steep for fifteen minutes or longer. The longer you steep the juniper berries, the stronger and more flavorful the tea will be.

Third Step: Strain the Tea

If you added the berries directly to the cup, strain the tea to remove the berries.

Fourth step: Enjoy

Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired. Sip and enjoy the soothing, health-boosting benefits of your homemade juniper berry tea!

Fresh or dried berries?

To make a tea you will need 1 tablespoon of fresh juniper berries (about 6–8 berries) for one cup of tea. While 1 teaspoon of dried juniper berries is enough for the same amount of tea.

Synergistic Benefits of Juniper Berry

Juniper berry is a herb that benefits from synergism. 

This is a concept in herbal medicine where combining certain herbs enhances their effects. This is because the volatile oils and flavonoids, can work together with the properties of other herbs to amplify their benefits.

For example, you can combine juniper berries with other diuretic herbs like dandelion or nettle to support kidney function. Alternatively,  with soothing herbs like chamomile to balance their intensity. This synergy can make herbal tea blends more effective than using individual herbs alone.

Side effects and precautions

Although juniper berries offer various health benefits, one should consume them in moderation. People with kidney issues or pregnant women should consult a healthcare professional before consuming juniper berries.

What do juniper berries taste like?

A cup of Juniper berry tea has a distinctive taste that is a blend of sharp, citrusy, and pine-like flavors. The flavor is both slightly sweet and slightly bitter, with earthy undertones that make it unique.

When Is the Best Time to Drink Juniper Tea?

The best time to drink juniper tea is typically in the morning or early afternoon. Its diuretic properties may not be ideal before bed, as it could increase nighttime trips to the bathroom. 

It’s recommended to drink 2 cups of juniper tea per day at most, as exceeding this amount may strain the kidneys or cause side effects due to its potency.

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