Juniper

Synonym(s)

common junipers; Kranewitt; Machandel; Northern Ireland

Definition
This section has been translated automatically.

An evergreen conifer that is widespread in the northern hemisphere and grows in the shape of a shrub or tree up to 3 m high. The juniper genus belongs to the cypress family and comprises around 60 species worldwide. In North America, there are juniper species (called cedars there) that reach a height of up to 40 meters. The juniper's prickly, gray-green needles are 1 to 2 cm long. The resin-free wood is tough, soft, elastic and durable.
The heath juniper, Juniperus communis, develops berry-shaped, 0.3 to 2 cm large cones, also known as berries. These "berries" take 1-2 years to ripen and then take on a deep blue color.

The ripe berry cones (juniper berries - Juniperi pseudofructus) and the essential oil they contain (juniper oil - Juniperi aetheroleum) are used phytotherapeutically.
Caution: Danger of confusion with the highly poisonous juniper tree, stinking juniper! The juniper stings, the sade tree does not!

The juniper wood formerly used in folk medicine is obsolete today. see also Pix juniperi

Cosmetics: see under Juniperus oxycedrus wood extract (INCI), Juniperus oxycedrus wood tar (INCI), Juniperus communis wood oil (INCI)

General information
This section has been translated automatically.

Juniperus communis is the parent plant of Juniperi fructus (pseudofructus) the official extract of juniper berries (Commission E monograph).
Alcoholic beverages. Juniper berries are an important raw material in the production of juniper brandy or gin or jenever.
Spice: Dried juniper berries are used in the preparation of sauerkraut, also in meat preparations.

Cosmetics: Extracts of Juniperus cmmunis are used in cosmetic formulations: