Evidence supporting the use of: Juniper berries
For the health condition: Hangover

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Juniper berries have a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, primarily for their purported diuretic, digestive, and detoxifying properties. In various folk traditions, juniper berries were used to “cleanse” the body and support kidney and liver function, which led to their occasional use as a home remedy for hangovers. The rationale is that, by promoting urination and supporting detoxification, juniper berries might help the body recover after excessive alcohol consumption. However, there is little to no direct scientific evidence to support the efficacy of juniper berries for treating or alleviating hangover symptoms specifically. Most modern references to juniper berries in the context of hangovers are based on historical or anecdotal use rather than controlled clinical studies. Furthermore, juniper berries contain compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids, which may have mild anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects, but these effects have not been rigorously studied for hangover relief. In summary, while there is a basis in traditional medicine for the use of juniper berries in “detoxification,” there is minimal scientific validation for their specific use in treating hangovers.

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