Juniper (Jenepye)
Juniperus communis · Cupressaceae
A crossing plant — kept in both Haitian & Caribbean and Adriatic & Balkan traditions. Two shores, one root.
Juniper
Jenepye
Genévrier
Juniperus communis
Smreka / Klekovača
Cupressaceae
Traditionally used
Diuretic (increases urine output). Digestive disorders (carminative, appetite stimulant). Topical: muscle pain, rheumatism (essential oil).
On the Adriatic shore
Čaj od kleke: 5–6 zdrobljenih bobica na 250 ml, 15 min. Za mokraćni put i probavu. Max 4 tjedna. Ulje za zglobove (razrijeđeno).
Prepared as
Berries (ripe), essential oil
Chemistry
Terpene compounds (alpha-pinene, terpinen-4-ol) — diuretic by direct renal irritation, carminative, antimicrobial. Berries contain flavonoids, tannins.
In three languages
Kreyòl — Diyrektik. Pwoblèm dijestif (gaz, apeti). Lokal: doulè miskilè (lwil esansyèl). Jenepye disponib nan diaspora ayisyen kòm diyrektik ak karminnativ. Bè oswa grenn itilize pou pwoblèm urinè ak dijestif. Enpòtan: diferan de Juniperus sabina (aborsif) ki pa itilize.
Français — Diurétique (augmente la diurèse). Troubles digestifs (carminatif, stimulant de l'appétit). Topique : douleurs musculaires, rhumatismes (huile essentielle). Le genévrier est disponible dans la diaspora haïtienne comme diurétique et carminatif; baies utilisées pour les troubles urinaires et digestifs — à distinguer du sabine toxique.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Sources & lineage
EMA Juniperi pseudo-fructus; Vitasović-Kosić 2021; Insular Pharmacopoeias
Kept alongside