Juniper is an evergreen popular in landscaping… but you may know the plant more for giving flavoring to gin. The juniper shrub’s branches, leaves, and berries have long been used in cooking and medicine, too. Juniper has a very strong smell, which led early medical practitioners to believe it could drive away evil spirits and disease. Native Americans believed that juniper was useful for cleansing and healing. It was used to prevent infection, relieve arthritis, and cure illnesses. Bundles of juniper branches with leaves were heated and tied to a sore limb to relieve pain. These days, juniper still has … Continue reading →