Evidence supporting the use of: Juniper berries
For the health condition: Kidney Infection

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Synopsis

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

Juniper berries (Juniperus communis) have a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for various urinary tract ailments, including kidney infections (pyelonephritis). Historically, juniper berries were valued for their purported diuretic and antiseptic properties, with herbalists recommending them to "flush the kidneys" and support urinary tract health. The essential oils in juniper berries, especially terpinen-4-ol, have been shown in laboratory studies to possess mild antimicrobial activity, which could theoretically contribute to fighting infections. However, the evidence supporting their effectiveness in treating kidney infections in humans is minimal and largely anecdotal. No high-quality clinical trials have demonstrated that juniper berry supplementation can safely or effectively treat kidney infections, and modern medical practice does not recommend their use for this purpose. In fact, excessive consumption of juniper berries or their extracts can irritate the kidneys and potentially worsen renal function, especially in those with pre-existing kidney disease. Thus, while juniper berries are traditionally used for urinary issues, the strength of evidence for their use in kidney infections is very low, and they should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical treatment such as antibiotics.

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