Botanical atlas

Siberian Juniper

Juniperus sibirica

Across the taiga and tundra, this hardy little juniper has long been gathered by northern peoples who found little else growing where it thrived. Its resinous, blue-black berries were chewed or brewed into warming infusions traditionally used to ease a heavy stomach after fatty meals and to support the kidneys and urinary tract. Siberian hunters and herders also tucked the branches into smoky fires, believing the sharp evergreen smoke cleansed a dwelling and kept illness at bay. Its cousin, the common juniper, shares much of this folk history and the two are often used interchangeably in old herbals.

Safety.

Avoid juniper berries during pregnancy and with kidney disease, since regular or excessive use can irritate the kidneys, and never take the essential oil internally. Correct identification matters, since related species like savin juniper (Juniperus sabina) are toxic and must not be confused with this one.