The berries of the juniper tree or shrub ; used in medicine is as a diuretic in dropsy. A tea may be made by pouring a pint of boiling water upon half an ounce of bruised juniper berries, stirring and then leaving it to stand for half an hour before pouring it off or straining it. A tablespoonful of cream of tartar may be added ; and at least half a pint of this tea may be drunk (a little at a time) in twenty-four hours, for dropsy.

Compound spirit of juniper is what pharmacists call an "elegant" preparation. It has the advantage of being given in small dose, a teaspoonful or two, in water; and is also, from its stimulant property, best suited to feeble patients, or those with delicate stomachs.