What serious health risk is associated with the traditional use of juniper berries as a diuretic when consumed in high or prolonged doses?
Answer
Nephrotoxicity, meaning damage to the kidneys
While juniper berries have historically been utilized as a diuretic, believed to increase urine output to flush the urinary system, this traditional application carries a significant dose-dependent hazard. Excessive or chronic ingestion of the berries or their extracts can lead to nephrotoxicity. This means the potent compounds within the berries can irritate or cause direct structural damage to the delicate tissues of the kidneys. This risk illustrates a common dichotomy in herbal medicine where a beneficial effect at low concentrations transitions into toxicity at higher levels.
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