Plant Comparison

Wild carrot vs Common Juniper

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant AWild carrotDaucus carotaApiaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BCommon JuniperJuniperus communisCupressaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Wild carrot and Common Juniper: they share 8 indicated uses (cancer (anticancer research), urinary support, urinary tract infection (uti), …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.

Wild carrotCommon Juniper
Constituents52
Pharmacological actions146
Indicated uses138
Safety notes42
Cited sources2322
Indicated uses
Only Wild carrot
Kidney supportLiver supportInflammation (general)Blood sugar / diabetes supportHigh cholesterol
Shared (8)
Cancer (anticancer research)Urinary supportUrinary tract infection (UTI)Swelling / fluid retentionIndigestionBloatingWoundsInfection (general)
Only Common Juniper
none
Pharmacological actions
Only Wild carrot
Nephroprotective (kidney support)Hepatoprotective (liver support)GastroprotectiveAnti-inflammatoryAntifungalAntidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)Lipid-loweringVulnerary (wound healing)CarminativeEmmenagogue / uterine tonic
Shared (4)
DiureticAntioxidantAntimicrobialAnticancer (preclinical)
Only Common Juniper
Digestive aidUrinary antiseptic

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionWild carrotCommon JuniperVerdict
Cancer (anticancer research)7/102/10Stronger for Wild carrot
Urinary support7/101/10Stronger for Wild carrot
Urinary tract infection (UTI)7/101/10Stronger for Wild carrot
Swelling / fluid retention7/101/10Stronger for Wild carrot
Indigestion7/101/10Stronger for Wild carrot
Bloating7/101/10Stronger for Wild carrot
Wounds2/101/10Comparable evidence
Infection (general)2/101/10Comparable evidence

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Essential (volatile) oil[11, 14, 15]

Seed oil dominated by the sesquiterpene alcohol carotol (often >75%), with alpha-pinene, sabinene, beta-caryophyllene, geranyl acetate and daucol; gives the aromatic, carminative and antimicrobial character.

Essential (volatile) oilTerpenes / terpenoidsSesquiterpenes
Carotenoids[2]

Beta-carotene and other carotenoids, especially abundant in the root; carrot is the main dietary source of provitamin A.

Carotenoids
Falcarinol-type polyacetylenes[3]

C17-polyacetylenes (falcarinol, falcarindiol) with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial activity.

Flavonoids and phenolic acids[1, 8]

Antioxidant flavonoids such as luteolin, apigenin, quercetin and kaempferol, and phenolic acids such as chlorogenic and caffeic acid.

FlavonoidsLuteolinApigeninQuercetinKaempferolPhenolic acidsChlorogenic acidCaffeic acid
Dietary fibre and polysaccharides[12, 13]

Root rich in pectin and other polysaccharides; insoluble dietary fibre contributes hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects.

PectinPolysaccharides
Essential oil (alpha-pinene, sabinene, limonene)[1]

Berry essential oil dominated by alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, sabinene and limonene, giving the characteristic aroma and the antimicrobial activity.

Essential (volatile) oilTerpenes / terpenoids
Flavonoids and tannins

Antioxidant and astringent supporting constituents.

FlavonoidsTannins

Pharmacological Actions

Diuretic[1, 5]

Classic diuretic and antilithic (stone-clearing) use; supported by antiurolithic activity in animal models.

Nephroprotective (kidney support)[6, 7]

Root extract protective and curative in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and against cisplatin nephrotoxicity (preclinical).

Hepatoprotective (liver support)[8]
Gastroprotective[9, 10]

Antisecretory, antacid and antiulcer activity; enhances the antiulcer effect of pantoprazole (preclinical).

Antioxidant[1, 8, 12]
Anti-inflammatory[1, 3, 11]
Antimicrobial[1, 3, 15]

Seed essential oil inhibits food-borne Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Antifungal[3]

Falcarinol-type polyacetylenes.

Anticancer (preclinical)[1, 3, 4]

Falcarinol-type polyacetylenes and other constituents show anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activity in vitro and in vivo (preclinical).

Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[13]

Carrot insoluble dietary fibre improved glucose tolerance in animal models (preclinical).

Lipid-lowering[13]

Insoluble dietary fibre reduced the post-load rise in blood lipids (preclinical).

Vulnerary (wound healing)[11]

Carrot seed oil bioactives promote wound healing (preclinical).

Carminative[1]

Aromatic bitter carminative for flatulent digestion (traditional).

Emmenagogue / uterine tonic[1, 17]

Seed traditionally used to promote menstruation; experimental estrogenic and anti-implantation activity.

Parts: Fruit and seed
Anticancer (preclinical)[3, 12, 13, 14]
Antimicrobial[4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 15, 17, 18, 19]
Antioxidant[4, 6, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19]
Digestive aid[6, 17, 18, 19]
Diuretic[5, 11, 17, 18, 19]
Urinary antiseptic[17, 18, 19]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Cancer (anticancer research)[4]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Kidney support[5, 6, 7]Traditional · 2/10

Nephroprotective and antiurolithic activity in animal models.

Evidence: 2
Label: Kidney support
Urinary support[1, 5]Good · 7/10

Traditional diuretic for urinary gravel and cystitis; antiurolithic activity.

Evidence: 7
Label: Urinary support
Urinary tract infection (UTI)[1]Good · 7/10

inferred from diuretic / urinary-antiseptic traditional use

Evidence: 7
Label: Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Swelling / fluid retention[1]Good · 7/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 7
Label: Swelling / fluid retention
Liver support[8]Traditional · 2/10

Hepatoprotective in animal models.

Evidence: 2
Label: Liver support
Indigestion[1]Good · 7/10

inferred from carminative action

Evidence: 7
Label: Indigestion
Bloating[1]Good · 7/10

inferred from carminative action

Evidence: 7
Label: Bloating
Wounds[11]Traditional · 2/10

Carrot seed oil promotes wound healing (preclinical).

Evidence: 2
Label: Wounds
Inflammation (general)[1, 3]Good · 8/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 8
Label: Inflammation (general)
Infection (general)[15]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2
Label: Infection (general)
Blood sugar / diabetes support[13]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antidiabetic action (insoluble dietary fibre)

Evidence: 2
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
High cholesterol[13]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from lipid-lowering action (insoluble dietary fibre)

Evidence: 2
Label: High cholesterol
Bloating[17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1
Label: Bloating
Cancer (anticancer research)[3, 12, 13, 14]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Indigestion[17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1
Label: Indigestion
Infection (general)[17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Infection (general)
Swelling / fluid retention[17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Swelling / fluid retention
Urinary support[17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Urinary support
Urinary tract infection (UTI)[17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Wounds[17, 18, 19]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Wounds

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[1, 17]Warning

Wild carrot SEED has estrogenic and anti-implantation (pregnancy-interceptory) activity and a long reputation as an emmenagogue and folk contraceptive; medicinal doses of the seed should be avoided in pregnancy and when trying to conceive.

Safety note[1]Caution

Like other Apiaceae, wild carrot contains furanocoumarins that can cause photosensitivity; skin contact with the sap plus sun exposure may cause phytophotodermatitis. Avoid excessive sun or UV exposure when using the herb medicinally.

Safety note[16]Info

Excessive intake of carrot or carotene can cause a harmless, reversible yellow-orange discolouration of the skin (carotenodermia).

Safety note[1, 18, 19]Serious

CRITICAL foraging hazard: wild carrot grows among, and closely resembles, several deadly poisonous Apiaceae - poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), fool's parsley (Aethusa cynapium), hemlock water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) and water hemlock (Cicuta virosa). Never gather wild carrot for use unless every look-alike has been positively excluded. Wild carrot has solid, ridged, bristly-HAIRY stems, a carrot smell, three-forked bracts beneath the umbel and usually a single dark central floret; the deadly hemlocks have smooth, hairless stems (often purple-blotched) and an unpleasant smell.

Safety note[17, 18, 19]Caution

Avoid in pregnancy. Juniper is not recommended during pregnancy (EMA/HMPC, 2023; Health Canada, 2025).Avoid with kidney disorders / serious kidney disease. It’s not recommended if you have kidney disease (EMA/HMPC, 2023; Health Canada, 2025).Adults only (for medicinal use). Use in under-18s is not recommended due to lack of data (EMA/HMPC, 2023).Hydration matters. If you’re using it for urinary “flushing,” you need adequate fluid intake (EMA/HMPC, 2023).Stop and seek help if symptoms look serious. Fever, painful urination, cramps/spasms, or blood in urine = talk to a clinician (EMA/HMPC, 2023).Duration caution. If using it beyond a few weeks, talk to a health professional (Health Canada, 2025).If breastfeeding: ask a health professional first (EMA/HMPC, 2023; Health Canada, 2025).

Safety note[17, 18, 19, 20]Caution

Duke (2002) rates juniper as + (use with caution), noting diuretic, carminative, and aquaretic activities, primarily at the experimental level (score 1). Traditional use for urinary infections is not supported by strong clinical evidence. The essential oil contains potentially nephrotoxic terpinen-4-ol, and juniper is contraindicated in kidney disease, urinary infections with inflammation, and pregnancy (emmenagogue and potential abortifacient properties). Commission E and PhEur do not recommend medicinal doses for prolonged use exceeding 4–6 weeks (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 3034742
Wikidata: Q30056
Gbif: 2684709
Wikidata: Q26325

Synonyms

Daucus carota subsp. carota

Not documented

Botanical Description

Erect biennial herb of the carrot family, 30-100 cm tall, growing from a slender, whitish, aromatic taproot. The leaves are 2-3-pinnate, finely divided and feathery, and smell distinctly of carrot when crushed. Tiny white flowers are borne in a flat or slightly domed compound umbel, classically with a single dark purple-red floret at the very centre; a ruff of long, three-forked (feathery) bracts sits beneath the umbel. As the seed ripens the umbel curls inward into a concave 'bird's nest'. The stems are solid, ridged and roughly hairy (bristly).[1]

Height: 30-100 cm
Habit: Erect biennial herb
Leaves: 2-3-pinnate, finely divided and feathery; smell of carrot when crushed
Flowers: Tiny white flowers in a flat compound umbel, usually with one dark purple-red central floret; a ruff of three-forked bracts beneath the umbel
Stem: Solid, ridged and roughly hairy (bristly) - 'Queen Anne has hairy legs'
Root: Slender, whitish, aromatic taproot
Fruit: Small dry oval fruit (mericarp) bearing hooked spines; the seed is rich in aromatic essential oil
Flowering Period: June-September

Evergreen coniferous shrub or small tree, often low and sprawling, with sharp, needle-like leaves in whorls of three, each bearing a single white band on the upper surface. The plant is dioecious; female plants bear small, round, fleshy, berry-like cones ('juniper berries') that take two to three years to ripen from green to blue-black.[1]

Height: 1-10 m, highly variable (often a low sprawling shrub)
Habit: Evergreen coniferous shrub or small tree, often sprawling
Leaves: Sharp, needle-like, in whorls of three, each with a single white band above
Flowers: Dioecious, wind-pollinated, inconspicuous
Stem: Woody, often sprawling or low-growing, reddish-brown bark
Root: Woody, spreading root system
Fruit: Round, fleshy, berry-like cone, ripening blue-black over two to three years
Flowering Period: Spring

Habitat

Dry grassland, meadows, roadsides, field margins and waste ground on well-drained, often chalky (calcareous) soils. Native to Europe, south-west Asia and North Africa and widely naturalised across temperate North America, Australia and elsewhere. The cultivated carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) was domesticated from this wild stock.[1]

Grows on heath, moorland, rocky hillsides and open coniferous woodland on poor, often calcareous soils; one of the most widely distributed conifers, native across the Northern Hemisphere from Europe and Asia to North America.

Harvesting

The ripe fruits (seeds) are collected from the drying umbels in late summer to autumn; the aromatic seed is the part richest in essential oil. The taproot is dug in the first-year rosette stage, before the plant flowers, when it is still tender; aerial parts are gathered while in flower. Only ever harvest where the plant can be identified with certainty against its deadly Apiaceae look-alikes.[1, 14]

Parts: Fruit and seed, Root, Aerial parts
Season: Root in the first-year rosette; aerial parts in flower (summer); seed when ripe (late summer to autumn)

The ripe, blue-black berry-like cones are hand-picked in autumn, typically in their second or third year of ripening (a mix of ages is often present on the same shrub); leaves and young stems can be gathered through the growing season.

Parts: Fruit, Leaf, Stem
Season: Fruit in autumn, when fully ripe (blue-black)

Traditional Uses

Wild carrot has a long folk-medicinal history as a diuretic and urinary remedy for gravel, stones, cystitis and gout, and as a carminative aromatic bitter for flatulent indigestion. The seed is the classic part used and carries a well-documented traditional reputation as an emmenagogue and folk contraceptive ('Queen Anne's Lace seed'); experimental work confirms estrogenic and anti-implantation (pregnancy-interceptory) activity, which is also why the seed is avoided in pregnancy. The root is nutritive and rich in carotene, and the plant has been applied to wounds and inflamed skin.[1, 17]

Juniper berry has a long European tradition as a diuretic and urinary antiseptic for minor urinary complaints, a warming digestive carminative for indigestion and bloating, and a flavouring for gin and other spirits; the leaf and wood have also been burned or used topically for their antimicrobial properties.[1]

Preparations

Infusion[1]

Dried seed or aerial parts (herb) infused in hot water as a diuretic and carminative tea - the traditional way of taking wild carrot for urinary and digestive complaints.

Seed preparation[1, 17]

The bruised aromatic seed steeped or briefly simmered; the seed is the part richest in essential oil and is the classic diuretic and emmenagogue preparation.

Poultice[11]

Crushed leaf or grated root applied externally to wounds and inflamed skin, reflecting the traditional vulnerary use; carrot seed oil bioactives promote wound healing in animal studies.

Infusion (berries)[16]

Comminuted juniper cone berries infused in 150 ml boiling water, 2.0-2.5 g as a single dose 1-3 times daily per the current revision of the EU herbal monograph. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Essential oil[1]

Steam-distilled from the berries; used in small internal doses for short periods or diluted for topical/aromatic use.

References

REF-2708, REF-2709, REF-2710, REF-2711, REF-2712, REF-2713, REF-2714, REF-2715, REF-2716, REF-2717, REF-2718, REF-2719, REF-2720, REF-2721, REF-2722, REF-2723, REF-2724
REF-0851, REF-0852, REF-0853, REF-1734, REF-1735, REF-1736, REF-1737, REF-1738, REF-1739, REF-1740, REF-1741, REF-1742, REF-1743, REF-1744, REF-1745

Drug Class Interactions

Safety note[1, 5]Caution
Drug Class: diuretics
Mechanism: Wild carrot is itself a diuretic; taken with pharmaceutical diuretics it may add to fluid and electrolyte (especially potassium) loss.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-10
Safety note[1, 5]Caution
Drug Class: antihypertensives
Mechanism: As a diuretic, wild carrot may add to the blood-pressure-lowering and fluid-loss effects of antihypertensive medicines and cause dizziness.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-10
Safety note[17]Caution
Drug Class: hormonal-therapies
Mechanism: Wild carrot seed has estrogenic activity and interferes with implantation; it could theoretically interact with hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement or fertility treatment.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-10

Not documented

Pairings

Both are Apiaceae diuretics traditionally combined for urinary and 'gravel' complaints; complementary diuretic and urinary-support action.[1]

Partner Id: petroselinum-crispum
Type: synergy
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-10

Aromatic Apiaceae seeds traditionally paired as carminative and diuretic digestive teas.[1]

Partner Id: foeniculum-vulgare
Type: synergy
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-10

Classic diuretic pairing for fluid retention and urinary support; both increase urine flow.[1]

Partner Id: taraxacum-officinale
Type: synergy
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-10

Not documented

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: has-lookalikes
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-10
Outcome: has-lookalikes
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Dangerous Lookalikes

Safety note[1, 18, 19]Fatal
Dangerous Plant: conium-maculatum
Confused Part: The ferny leaves, white umbels and the whole young plant / first-year rosette gathered for root or leaf.
Confusion Context: Poison hemlock is the classic deadly look-alike of wild carrot ('Queen Anne's Lace'). Both are white-flowered umbellifers of similar height with finely divided ferny leaves, and foragers after wild carrot root or leaf have been fatally poisoned by hemlock. Coniine causes an ascending paralysis that stops breathing - a small amount can be lethal.
Distinguishing Features: Stem: wild carrot has a SOLID, ridged stem covered in stiff bristly hairs ('Queen Anne has hairy legs'); poison hemlock has a SMOOTH, hairless stem marked with distinct purple-red spots and blotches. Hairy green stem = carrot; smooth purple-blotched stem = hemlock., Smell: crushed wild carrot leaf and root smell clearly of carrot; poison hemlock smells rank, musty and mousy. A foul mousy smell is a hard no., Umbel detail: wild carrot has a ruff of long, three-forked (feathery) bracts beneath the umbel and usually a single dark purple-red floret at the centre; hemlock lacks both the forked bracts and the dark central floret.
Key Test: Check the stem in good light: solid, ridged, bristly-hairy and carrot-scented = wild carrot; smooth, hairless, blotched with purple and foul/mousy-smelling = poison hemlock - do not touch or eat.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-10
Safety note[20, 21]Dangerous
Dangerous Plant: aethusa-cynapium
Confused Part: The finely divided leaves and small white umbels, especially of young plants.
Confusion Context: Fool's parsley grows in the same gardens, field margins and waste ground as wild carrot and its relatives and has similar ferny leaves and small white umbels; it contains coniine-like alkaloids and has caused serious and fatal poisonings, particularly when mistaken for parsley or wild carrot leaf.
Distinguishing Features: Beneath each little umbel, fool's parsley has 3-4 long, narrow bracts that hang DOWNWARDS like a beard; wild carrot has a ruff of three-forked feathery bracts and a domed umbel with a dark central floret., Fool's parsley has a smooth, hairless stem and an unpleasant acrid smell when crushed; wild carrot has a bristly-hairy stem and a clean carrot smell., Wild carrot's umbel contracts into a concave 'bird's nest' in fruit; fool's parsley does not.
Key Test: Look under the umbel: long narrow bracts hanging down like a beard, on a smooth hairless stem with an acrid smell = fool's parsley - do not eat. Wild carrot has forked bracts, a hairy stem and a carrot smell.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-10
Safety note[22]Fatal
Dangerous Plant: oenanthe-crocata
Confused Part: Wet-habitat plant: the fleshy root tubers and celery/parsley-like leaves and white umbels.
Confusion Context: Hemlock water-dropwort is one of the deadliest plants in western Europe; its oenanthotoxin causes violent convulsions, and its pleasant-smelling fleshy roots and leaves are notoriously mistaken for edible wild vegetables. It shares the umbel-and-ferny-leaf look of wild carrot but grows in wet ground by ditches and streams.
Distinguishing Features: Hemlock water-dropwort has a cluster of pale, fleshy, finger-like root tubers ('dead man's fingers'); wild carrot has a single slender taproot, not a bunch of tubers., It grows in wet ground (ditches, streamsides, marshes); wild carrot grows in dry grassland and roadsides., Its roots and crushed plant can smell pleasant/sweetish, so never use smell to clear it - go by the root form and the wet habitat.
Key Test: Examine the roots and habitat: a cluster of pale fleshy finger-like tubers in wet ground = hemlock water-dropwort - do not eat. Wild carrot has one slender taproot and grows in dry ground. Because its roots can smell pleasant, never rely on smell here.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-10
Safety note[23]Fatal
Dangerous Plant: cicuta-virosa
Confused Part: Wet-habitat plant: the rootstock and lower stem, plus the white umbels and divided leaves.
Confusion Context: Water hemlock is among the most violently toxic temperate plants; its cicutoxin causes sudden severe convulsions, often fatal. Its roots have been eaten by mistake for 'wild carrot' and other wild roots; it grows in wet ground unlike true wild carrot.
Distinguishing Features: Cut the rootstock lengthwise: water hemlock's is hollow and chambered (horizontal cross-partitions) and exudes a yellowish oily juice; wild carrot's root is a solid slender taproot. This is the single most reliable trait., Water hemlock grows in wet ground (marshes, ditches, pond margins); wild carrot grows in dry grassland and roadsides., Wild carrot has bristly-hairy stems and forked bracts under a 'bird's nest' umbel; water hemlock does not.
Key Test: Slice the rootstock lengthwise: a hollow, horizontally chambered root with yellowish oily juice in wet ground = water hemlock - do not eat. Wild carrot's root is solid.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-10
Safety note[21, 22]Dangerous
Dangerous Plant: juniperus-sabina
Confused Part: Berry-like cones ('juniper berries') and foliage harvested for flavouring or tea; the toxic ornamental savin juniper is easily taken for edible common juniper, especially in gardens and parks.
Confusion Context: Common juniper (Juniperus communis) berries flavour food and gin, but not all junipers are edible. Savin juniper (Juniperus sabina) is a low, spreading ornamental juniper that is genuinely poisonous: a peer-reviewed analysis (Zheljazkov et al., 2021) found the antimitotic cell poison podophyllotoxin in savin but NOT in common juniper, and savin also contains irritant terpenes (sabinene, sabinol) and has long been a dangerous abortifacient. Because savin is widely planted in yards, parks and landscaping, 'juniper berries' picked from cultivated shrubs can be this toxic species; foraging guidance stresses positively identifying the species before eating any juniper.
Distinguishing Features: Foliage (decisive): edible common juniper has sharp-pointed NEEDLE-like leaves in whorls of three, each with a single white band on the upper surface. Savin and most ornamental junipers have soft, SCALE-like leaves pressed against the twig. Whorls of three sharp needles = common juniper; scale-like foliage = a juniper to avoid., Smell: savin foliage has an acrid, unpleasant (foetid) smell when crushed, unlike the clean gin-like aroma of common juniper., Habit: common juniper is a bushy shrub or small tree of wild heath and hillside; savin is a low, wide-spreading ornamental grown in gardens and municipal planting.
Key Test: Check the leaves. Sharp needle-like leaves in whorls of three (with a white band on top) = common juniper, the edible one. Soft scale-like foliage hugging the twig - especially on a low spreading shrub in a garden or park - with an acrid smell when crushed = a juniper to avoid such as savin (Juniperus sabina), which is toxic. Never eat juniper berries unless you have confirmed the species is common juniper.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Dosage

Not documented

Berry infusion[16, 17]

The EU herbal monograph gives 2.0-2.5 g of the comminuted cone berries in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, 1-3 times daily (single dose 2-2.5 g, daily dose 2.5-6 g), for adults and elderly. Use is limited to short courses - if symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks a healthcare practitioner should be consulted - with adequate fluid intake; contraindicated in severe renal disease and not recommended in pregnancy. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References & Sources

  1. Ismail, J. and Shebaby, W.N. and Daher, J. and Boulos, J.C. and Taleb, R. and Daher, C.F. and Mroueh, M (2023) 'The Wild Carrot (Daucus carota): A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review', Plants (Basel), 13(1), pp. 93. doi:10.3390/plants13010093 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010093
  2. Simpson, K. and Cerda, A. and Stange, C (2016) 'Carotenoid Biosynthesis in Daucus carota', Subcellular Biochemistry, 79, pp. 199-217. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-39126-7_7 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39126-7_7
  3. Dawid, C. and Dunemann, F. and Schwab, W. and Nothnagel, T. and Hofmann, T (2015) 'Bioactive C17-Polyacetylenes in Carrots (Daucus carota L.): Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 63(42), pp. 9211-9222. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.5b04357 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b04357
  4. Mandrich, L. and Esposito, A.V. and Costa, S. and Caputo, E (2023) 'Chemical Composition, Functional and Anticancer Properties of Carrot', Molecules, 28(20), pp. 7161. doi:10.3390/molecules28207161 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207161
  5. Bawari, S. and Sah, A.N. and Tewari, D (2020) 'Anticalcifying effect of Daucus carota in experimental urolithiasis in Wistar rats', Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 11(3), pp. 308-315. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2018.12.003 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2018.12.003
  6. Afzal, M. and Kazmi, I. and Kaur, R. and Ahmad, A. and Pravez, M. and Anwar, F (2013) 'Comparison of protective and curative potential of Daucus carota root extract on renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats', Pharmaceutical Biology, 51(7), pp. 856-862. doi:10.3109/13880209.2013.767840 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2013.767840
  7. Iqbal, M.O. and Sial, A.S. and Akhtar, I. and Naeem, M. and Hazafa, A. and Ansari, R.A. and Rizvi, S.A.A (2021) 'The nephroprotective effects of Daucus carota and Eclipta prostrata against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats', Bioengineered, 12(2), pp. 12702-12721. doi:10.1080/21655979.2021.2009977 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1080/21655979.2021.2009977
  8. Shebaby, W.N. and Daher, C.F. and El-Sibai, M. and Bodman-Smith, K. and Mansour, A. and Karam, M.C. and Mroueh, M (2015) 'Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of the oil fractions from wild carrot (Daucus carota ssp. carota)', Pharmaceutical Biology, 53(9), pp. 1285-1294. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.976349 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2014.976349
  9. Chandra, P. and Kishore, K. and Ghosh, A.K (2015) 'Assessment of Antisecretory, Gastroprotective, and In-vitro Antacid Potential of Daucus carota in Experimental Rats', Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives, 6(6), pp. 329-335. doi:10.1016/j.phrp.2015.10.006 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrp.2015.10.006
  10. Asdaq, S.M.B. and Swathi, E. and Dhamanigi, S.S. and Asad, M. and Ali Mohzari, Y. and Alrashed, A.A. and Alotaibi, A.S. and Mohammed Alhassan, B. and Nagaraja, S (2020) 'Role of Daucus carota in Enhancing Antiulcer Profile of Pantoprazole in Experimental Animals', Molecules, 25(22), pp. 5287. doi:10.3390/molecules25225287 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225287
  11. Venkatesan, K. and Asseri, K.A. and Muralidharan, P. and Sirag, N. and Ahmed, R. and Elfadil, H. and Elodemi, M. and Genena, S.E.R. and Sivadasan, D. and Velraj, M. and Paulsamy, P. and Vadivel, V. and Prabahar, K. and Krishnaraju, K (2025) 'Wound-Healing Efficacy of Daucus carota Bioactive Compounds: Targeting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis', Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 18(12), pp. 1905. doi:10.3390/ph18121905 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18121905
  12. Qi, K. and Xia, G. and Huang, G. and Huang, H (2021) 'Extraction, chemical modification, and antioxidant activities of Daucus carota polysaccharide', Chemical Biology and Drug Design, 98(6), pp. 1098-1103. doi:10.1111/cbdd.13968 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1111/cbdd.13968
  13. Yang, X. and Dai, J. and Zhong, Y. and Wei, X. and Wu, M. and Zhang, Y. and Huang, A. and Wang, L. and Huang, Y. and Zhang, C. and Chen, X. and Xiao, H (2021) 'Characterization of insoluble dietary fiber from three food sources and their potential hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects', Food and Function, 12(14), pp. 6576-6587. doi:10.1039/d1fo00521a Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1039/d1fo00521a
  14. Ali, A. and Radwan, M.M. and Wanas, A.S. and Khan, I.A (2018) 'Repellent Activity of Carrot Seed Essential Oil and Its Pure Compound, Carotol, Against Mosquitoes', Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 34(4), pp. 272-280. doi:10.2987/18-6751.1 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.2987/18-6751.1
  15. Gaglio, R. and Barbera, M. and Aleo, A. and Lommatzsch, I. and La Mantia, T. and Settanni, L (2017) 'Inhibitory Activity and Chemical Characterization of Daucus carota subsp. maximus Essential Oils', Chemistry and Biodiversity, 14(5). doi:10.1002/cbdv.201600477 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201600477
  16. Vijayalakshmi, A.M (2008) 'Carotenodermia', Indian Pediatrics, 45(1), pp. 61. Clinical study
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Carotenodermia
  17. Sharma, M.M. and Lal, G. and Jacob, D (1976) 'Estrogenic and pregnancy interceptory effects of carrot Daucus carota seeds', Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 14(4), pp. 506-508. Preclinical
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Estrogenic%20and%20pregnancy%20interceptory%20effects%20of%20carrot%20Daucus%20carota%20seeds
  18. Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328
  19. King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
    https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock
  20. Teuscher, E. and Greger, H. and Adrian, V (1990) 'Toxicity of Aethusa cynapium L. (fool's parsley)', Pharmazie, 45(7), pp. 537-8. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2236201/ Preclinical
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2236201/
  21. Minnesota Wildflowers (2024) 'Aethusa cynapium (Fool's Parsley)'. Available at: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/fools-parsley Traditional / reference
    https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/fools-parsley
  22. Mitchell, M.I. and Routledge, P.A (1978) 'Hemlock water dropwort poisoning - a review', Clinical Toxicology, 12(4), pp. 417-26. doi:10.3109/15563657809150012 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.3109/15563657809150012
  23. Heath, K.B (2001) 'A fatal case of apparent water hemlock poisoning', Veterinary and Human Toxicology, 43(1), pp. 35-6. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11205076/ Clinical study
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11205076/
  1. Pepeljnjak, S., Kosalec, I., Kalodera, Z. and Blazević, N (2005) 'Antimicrobial activity of juniper berry essential oil (Juniperus communis L., Cupressaceae)', Acta Pharmaceutica, 55(4), pp. 417-422. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16375831/ Preclinical
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16375831/
  2. Peruč, D., Tićac, B., Broznić, D., Maglica, Ž. et al (2020) 'Juniperus communis essential oil limits the biofilm formation of Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare on polystyrene in a temperature-dependent manner', International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 32(1), pp. 141-154. doi:10.1080/09603123.2020.1741519 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2020.1741519
  3. Marković, T., Popović, S., Matić, S., Mitrović, M. et al (2024) 'Insights into Molecular Mechanisms of Anticancer Activity of Juniperus communis Essential Oil in HeLa and HCT 116 Cells', Plants (Basel), 13(17), pp. 2351. doi:10.3390/plants13172351 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13172351
  4. Goncalves, A.C., Flores-Felix, J.D., Coutinho, P., Alves, G. and Silva, L.R (2022) 'Zimbro (Juniperus communis L.) as a Promising Source of Bioactive Compounds and Biomedical Activities: A Review on Recent Trends', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(6), pp. 3197. doi:10.3390/ijms23063197 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23063197
  5. Bais, S., Gill, N.S., Rana, N. and Shandil, S (2014) 'A Phytopharmacological Review on a Medicinal Plant: Juniperus communis', International Scholarly Research Notices, 2014, pp. 634723. doi:10.1155/2014/634723 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/634723
  6. Raina, R., Verma, P.K., Peshin, R. and Kour, H (2019) 'Potential of Juniperus communis L as a nutraceutical in human and veterinary medicine', Heliyon, 5(8), pp. e02376. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02376 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02376
  7. Gordien, A.Y., Gray, A.I., Franzblau, S.G. and Seidel, V (2009) 'Antimycobacterial terpenoids from Juniperus communis L. (Cuppressaceae)', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 126(3), pp. 500-505. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.007 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.007
  8. Klancnik, A., Zorko, S., Toplak, N., Kovac, M., Bucar, F., Jersek, B. and Smole Mozina, S (2017) 'Antiadhesion activity of juniper (Juniperus communis L.) preparations against Campylobacter jejuni evaluated with PCR-based methods', Phytotherapy Research, 32(3), pp. 542-550. doi:10.1002/ptr.6005 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6005
  9. Maurya, A.K., Devi, R., Kumar, A., Koundal, R., Thakur, S., Sharma, A., Kumar, D., Kumar, R., Padwad, Y.S., Chand, G., Singh, B. and Agnihotri, V.K (2018) 'Chemical Composition, Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Activities of Essential Oils of Cultivated Clones of Juniperus communis and Wild Juniperus Species', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 15(9), pp. e1800183. doi:10.1002/cbdv.201800183 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201800183
  10. Jegal, J., Park, S., Chung, K., Chung, H.Y., Lee, J., Jeong, E.J., Kim, K.H. and Yang, M.H (2016) 'Tyrosinase inhibitory flavonoid from Juniperus communis fruits', Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 80(12), pp. 2311-2317. doi:10.1080/09168451.2016.1217146 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1080/09168451.2016.1217146
  11. Lin, T., Lu, C., Chang, K. and Lee, C (2022) 'Juniperus communis extract ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway', Food Science & Nutrition, 10(10), pp. 3405-3414. doi:10.1002/fsn3.2941 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.2941
  12. Gao, H., Huang, X., Yang, T., Chang, K., Yeh, L., Hsieh, M., Weng, J. and Tsai, N (2019) 'Juniperus communis Suppresses Melanoma Tumorigenesis by Inhibiting Tumor Growth and Inducing Apoptosis', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 47(5), pp. 1171-1191. doi:10.1142/S0192415X19500605 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X19500605
  13. Huang, N., Huang, R., Huang, X., Chang, K., Lee, C., Hsiao, C., Lee, S. and Tsai, N (2021) 'Evaluation of anticancer effects of Juniperus communis extract on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo', Bioscience Reports, 41(7), pp. BSR20211143. doi:10.1042/BSR20211143 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1042/BSR20211143
  14. Lai, W., Lee, S., Chang, K., Huang, X., Li, C., Lee, C., Wu, C., Hsu, H. and Tsai, N (2021) 'Juniperus communis extract induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo', Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54(10), pp. e10891. doi:10.1590/1414-431X2020e10891 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X2020e10891
  15. Peruc, D., Ticac, B., Abram, M., Broznic, D., Stifter, S., Staver, M.M. and Gobin, I (2019) 'Synergistic potential of Juniperus communis and Helichrysum italicum essential oils against nontuberculous mycobacteria', Journal of Medical Microbiology, 68(5), pp. 703-710. doi:10.1099/jmm.0.000962 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.000962
  16. European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2023) 'European Union herbal monograph on Juniperus communis L., galbulus (pseudo-fructus), Revision 1'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-juniperus-communis-l-pseudo-fructus-galbulus-revision-1_en.pdf Traditional / reference
    https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-juniperus-communis-l-pseudo-fructus-galbulus-revision-1_en.pdf
  17. European Medicines Agency (2010) 'European Union herbal monograph on Juniperus communis L., pseudo-fructus'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Juniperus%20communis%20L.%2C%20pseudo-fructus
  18. British Herbal Medicine Association (1983) 'British Herbal Pharmacopoeia'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=British%20Herbal%20Pharmacopoeia
  19. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
    https://powo.science.kew.org
  20. Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
  21. Four Season Foraging (2025) 'Is Juniper Toxic?'. Available at: https://www.fourseasonforaging.com/blog/2025/4/17/is-juniper-toxic Traditional / reference
    https://www.fourseasonforaging.com/blog/2025/4/17/is-juniper-toxic
  22. Zheljazkov, V.D. and Cantrell, C.L. and Semerdjieva, I. and Radoukova, T. and Stoyanova, A. and Maneva, V. and Kacaniova, M. and Astatkie, T. and Borisova, D. and Dincheva, I. and Salamon, I (2021) 'Essential Oil Composition and Bioactivity of Two Juniper Species from Bulgaria and Slovakia', Molecules, 26(12), pp. 3659. doi:10.3390/molecules26123659 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26123659

Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.