Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Netherlands

Common name: Jeneverbes, Common juniper

Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress familiy)

Distribution: Eurasia

Life form: Conifer

Comments: Medieval Plants Tour - The name ‘juniper’ probably comes from the Celtic word jeneprus, which means ‘prickly’. In the Middle Ages juniper branches were used around Christmas time, to banish devils and witches from stables and farms. Juniper also has healing properties, as is apparent from the description by Dominican friar Albertus Magnus: “The juniper tree stays green all year long. You can extract a powerful oil from this tree, by greatly heating the wood and drying it in an airless place. Juniper is dry and it can banish evil bodily fluids from the body and dissolve them. Juniper berries in boiled pure water help relieve the pain of colic, while juniper berries boiled in wine will help relieve pain in general. The oil of the plant helps relieve bowel colic and third-day fever in infants, but also helps against more severe pain. For instance, you can rub the spine with the oil and make a salve from juniper to treat gout.