Origin. - A volatile oil distilled from the fruit of Juniperus communis.

Description and Properties. - A colorless or faintly greenish-yellow liquid, becoming darker and thicker through age and exposure to air, having the characteristic odor of juniper and a warm, aromatic, somewhat terebinthinate and bitterish taste. Soluble in about four times its volume of alcohol, forming a more or less turbid liquid, which is neutral or slightly acid to litmus-paper.

Dose. - 5-15 minims (0.3-1.0 Cc.) [30 minims (0.2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Official Preparations

Spiritus Juniperi - Spiritus Juniperi - Spirit of Juniper. - Dose, 1-8 fluidrams (4.0-30.0 Cc). Formula: Oil of juniper, 5; alcohol, 95 parts [30 minims (2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Spiritus Juniperi Compositus - Spiritus Juniperi Compositi - Compound Spirit of Juniper. - Formula: Oil of juniper, 8; oil of caraway, 1; oil of fennel, 1; alcohol, 1700; water, sufficient to make 2000 parts. - Dose, 2-4 fluidrams (8.0-15.0 Cc.) [2 fluidrams (8 Cc), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - Juniper in its action resembles buchu, being a stimulant diuretic. Under certain conditions it acts as a diaphoretic. It is a tonic to the stomach and a mild aphrodisiac.

The volatile oil, which is the active constituent of juniper, diffuses through the blood with great facility, stimulating the heart, and, in dropsical conditions, increasing the flow of urine. In health, however, the amount of urine is diminished, while that of urea is augmented.

Juniper is used for the same purposes as buchu - being superior to the latter drug perhaps - especially in various dropsies and passive congestion of the kidneys.

Contraindications. - The same as for buchu.

Administration. - Any of the preparations may be given, gin being a popular diuretic.