Colorado juniper
Juniperus scopulorum
Juniperus scopulorum is a coniferous plant species found in North American ecosystems. In various traditional practices, it has been applied to address conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, fever, nausea, pneumonia, and infections. Scientific data regarding its medicinal efficacy is currently lacking. Research indicates that samples contain varying amounts of calcium alongside potentially toxic elements like lead, which makes determining its safety as a calcium source difficult. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available literature.
- Traditionally for
- arthritis · infections
- Traditions
- traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- arthritis
- infections
- rheumatism
- anodyne
- cold
- epidemic
- fever
- nausea
- pneumonia
What the science says
- All samples contained varying amounts of calcium and potentially toxic elements like lead, insufficient for determining safety as a Ca source.
- Juniperus scopulorum growth was more limited by water availability at lower elevations than at higher elevations.
- The study identifies Juniperus scopulorum from Rancho La Brea fossils, expanding its known distribution and documenting its extirpation around 13 ka.
- Plants sourced from colder environments maintained higher ratios of soluble sugars to starch during cold acclimation, despite similar overall increases in NSC concentrations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Colorado juniper?
Colorado juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Colorado juniper traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Colorado juniper for: arthritis, infections, rheumatism, anodyne, cold, epidemic. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Colorado juniper?
Colorado juniper appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Colorado juniper?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Colorado juniper; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: All samples contained varying amounts of calcium and potentially toxic elements like lead, insufficient for determining safety as a Ca source.
How strong is the evidence for Colorado juniper?
The strongest finding for Colorado juniper carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Colorado juniper safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Colorado juniper in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Colorado juniper interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Colorado juniper in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Colorado juniper?
Colorado juniper is also known as: Можжевельник скальный, Genévrier des Rocheuses.
Is Colorado juniper a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Juniperus virginiana sourced from colder climates maintain higher ratios of soluble sugars to starch during cold acclimation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Identification of fossil juniper seeds from Rancho La Brea (California, USA): drought and extirpation in the Late Pleistocene. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Assessment of Juniper Ash Elemental Composition for Potential Use in a Traditional Indigenous Dietary Pattern. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Opportunistic growth phenology and wateruse of semi-arid tree species of northern Arizona. literature abstract metadata