How to Make Juniper Berry Tea

Juniper Berry Tea is a refreshing and flavorful herbal tea that can be made easily at home. You can purchase dried juniper berries or forage your own if they grow in your area.

What Are Juniper Berries?

Juniper berries are actually the female seed cone of juniper trees (Juniperus Communis) which are coniferous evergreen trees that grow in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. 

The berries are small, round, and bluish-purple in color, with a fleshy texture and a resinous, pine-like flavor.

Note: Most juniper berries are safe to ingest, however, there are a few varieties that are poisonous and should not be consumed. If you are going to forage your own berries do thorough research before using any juniper berries you pick yourself. Or alternatively, purchase already processed berries or juniper berry tea bags from a reputable source.

Where I grew up, juniper bushes were plentiful and a small handful of fresh berries were often tossed into a pot of water to make tea or used in a meat marinade.

If you really like foraging your own tea sources here is another great tea recipe using wild-sourced ingredients: Rose Hip Tea

How to Make Juniper Berry Tea

Here is a simple recipe to make this healthy herbal tea:

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of dried juniper berries

1 cup of water

Honey or lemon juice ( optional)

Instructions:

• In a small pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
• Add the juniper berries to a cup with a tea infuser or directly into a teapot.
• Add the water to the teacup or pot.
• Steap the berries for about 10-15 minutes.
• Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth if you are using a teapot, to remove any bits of juniper berries.
• Pour the tea into a mug and serve hot.
• You can add honey or lemon juice to the tea for additional sweetness and flavor.

What Are Juniper Berries Used For?

Juniper berries have been used for centuries as a culinary ingredient and medicinal herb. They are commonly used to flavor various dishes, including meat, game, and sauces. In addition, they are a key ingredient in the production of gin, a popular alcoholic beverage.

Potential Health Benefits of Juniper Berries

Juniper berries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. The antioxidant properties of these berries are said to provide many health benefits.

Although there is very little scientific evidence to support the health benefits of juniper berries, they have been used for centuries by herbalists and naturopaths to treat a range of ailments. 

These ailments include digestive problems, respiratory issues, and joint pain. They are also believed to have diuretic properties, which can help increase urine flow, protect from kidney stones, and remove excess fluids from the body. 

In this way, juniper berry tea also may help to prevent gout flare-ups.

Juniper berry tea and juniper oil are also thought to have antibacterial properties.

Juniper berries are also believed to aid in the regulation of blood sugar levels and are often called nature’s insulin.

However, it is important to note that juniper berries should be consumed in moderation and under the guidance of your healthcare practitioner, as they can cause adverse effects in some individuals.

Note: Pregnant women and individuals with kidney disease should avoid consuming juniper berries. Consult your healthcare provider before consuming unfamiliar herbal teas.