Evidence supporting the use of: Juniper berries
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Juniper berries have been used traditionally in various cultures as a remedy for respiratory issues, including lung congestion. Historical accounts and folk medicine practices, particularly in European herbalism, describe the use of juniper berries in teas, tinctures, and inhalations to help clear mucus and ease breathing. The primary rationale is that juniper berries possess volatile oils (such as alpha-pinene and myrcene) with expectorant and mild antiseptic properties, which were believed to help loosen phlegm and combat minor respiratory infections.
However, scientific studies specifically investigating juniper berries for lung congestion are limited. Most modern research on juniper focuses on its antimicrobial, diuretic, and antioxidant effects rather than direct effects on respiratory congestion. As such, while there is a well-established tradition of using juniper berries for this purpose, the evidence base is largely anecdotal rather than clinical. The rating reflects the presence of historical use (hence a 2), but the lack of robust scientific validation prevents a higher score. Caution is also advised, as juniper berries can be irritating to the kidneys and should be used sparingly, especially in sensitive individuals or those with pre-existing conditions.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (lungs)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Agastache
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
allyl isothiocyanate
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bee hive
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by juniper berries
Abdominal PainArthritis
Bladder Infection
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gout
Hangover
Indigestion
Inflammation
Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (infections)
Sweat Baths (herbs for)
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Wounds and Sores