Juniper in history and folklore

Juniper is famous for its berries, which are used to produce gin. Another practical use of the juniper bush was to weave juniper withies into the walls of houses in times gone by, juniper withies were also woven into a type of basket called a scull. Juniper was also used in the smoking of hams, which imparted a slight turpentine flavour, very much an acquired taste. The berries were also used to produce wine and tea and yielded a yellow and brown dye.
The twigs and berries of the Juniper are said to have the power to avert evil and also to have great powers of protection and purification. Baby's teething rings were made from juniper wood to protect the babe from harm and sprigs of juniper were tied to the tails of animals as a charm against evil or sickness.
At Samhain (Halloween) the branches were burnt to keep away evil spirits. The branches were also burnt in the home on New Years morning for the same purpose.
If someone in the household was sick then the home would be sealed and the smoke from the juniper was allowed to fill every room until all of the inhabitants were coughing and sneezing with their eyes streaming, this was believed to expel any illness.
Medicinally juniper was used for purging, stomach ailments, epilepsy and purification.
In the highlands the berries infused in hot whiskey were said to cure practically anything, even snakebites!