Ethnobotany of common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) in Slovakia

Juniperus communis L. is the common juniper species of conifer in the genus Juniperus belonging to the cypress family (Cupressaceae). It lies in the climatically favorable mild zone of the Northern Hemisphere where the aromatic plants are found abundantly in dry, sunny hillsides, as well as the subalpine level. It spread through the entire territory of Slovakia. This medicinal plant species has played an important part in the composition of therapeutic and popular healing remedies. There is a long tradition in the Slovak Republic of using juniper essential oil (Oleum juniper). The essential oil (Oleum juniper) obtained by distillation of juniper parts has been used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiseptic and diuretic medicinal compound. Juniper berries have also been used in the distillation of the Slovak national alcoholic beverage, Borovicka. Given its popularity and multitude of uses, high demand for Juniperus communis warrants the need for research and development to better understand and document the population and occurrence of common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) within the Slovakian territory.