Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceGeneral health

Juniper Berry

A traditional diuretic and urinary herb. The only decent modern trial tested it for indigestion, not for the urinary tract, and the traditional diuretic use rests on essential oil pharmacology rather than clinical data.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Functional dyspepsia Limited evidence

    A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a standardised 100 mg juniper preparation reported improvement in functional dyspepsia symptoms. This is the single good-quality human trial of juniper and it concerns digestion, not the urinary tract.

  • Diuretic and urinary use Limited evidence

    Reviews of botanical medicines for the urinary tract describe juniper as a traditional aquaretic whose terpinen-4-ol content increases renal filtration in animal models. No controlled human trial has measured urine output or urinary infection outcomes with juniper.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe dyspepsia trial used a standardised 100 mg preparation. Traditional herbal use is 2–10 g/day of dried berries as a tea, generally recommended for no more than four to six weeks at a time.
SafetyJuniper essential oil in high doses has historically been associated with kidney irritation, though this is often attributed to adulterated or turpentine-contaminated oils rather than the berry itself. It is a traditional emmenagogue and should be avoided in pregnancy. Avoid with existing kidney disease and do not use long-term.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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