Indigenous Medicinal Plant Padlet by Noah Pettinger

Juniper

np5694 — 2024-09-11 15:45:35 UTC

What parts of the plant are used in medicine?

np5694 — 2024-09-16 15:12:18 UTC

Many parts of the juniper plant are used, however the most used part is the berry. The berry can be turned into an extract or an oil or the berry itself can be used. Other parts of the plant that are used are the juniper bark, needle/leaf, and even the sap can be used for medicine.

What was juniper's use as traditional medicine?

np5694 — 2024-09-16 15:20:42 UTC

The Juniper plant was used to reduce swelling, treat diabetes, gas, indigestion, kidney stones, colds, heart troubles, and breathing problems. However, there is no scientific evidence that these help.

How is the plant prepared as medicine?

np5694 — 2024-09-16 15:33:12 UTC

The plant can be prepared in a few different ways, but how you prepare it is based on personal preference. Some people like to crush or powder it to release the essential oils. Juniper berries can be prepared into tea, a salve, oil, tincture, poultice, or a cream.

What Indigenous people use juniper berries?

np5694 — 2024-09-16 15:53:36 UTC

Juniper berries were/are used by Indigenous people in northern North America. The Blackfoot people used tea to cure vomiting, and Absaroka women drank tea after childbirth to promote cleansing and healing, the Ojibwe also used it for many different things.

Where does it grow?

np5694 — 2024-09-16 15:57:05 UTC

Juniper berries are native to northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Juniper berries grow in sandy or rocky soils, open woods, alvars, open fields, and even alongside roads. Juniper berries are not picky when it comes to where they grow.

When and how is juniper harvested?

np5694 — 2024-09-17 15:23:58 UTC

Juniper berries can be harvested at any time of the year. Harvesting in the summer is easier because you won't have to dig in the snow to find them. Modern-day you may lay out a tarp and shake the plant to gather ripe berries, that is mostly used if you are gathering in masses. People also hand-pick the berries right off the plant with their hands.

What is the plant used for today?

np5694 — 2024-09-17 15:30:46 UTC

Juniper is used mainly for cooking now. It is often used when cooking wild game because it can help reduce the "gamey" flavour. Gin is also made from juniper berries which gives it its distinct flavour. Juniper berries can still be used for medicinal purposes but it's no longer as common.