The juniper is an evergreen tree native to Europe, northern, Asia, and the northern parts of North America but especially abundant in central Texas. The purple, blue, violet, or blackish-brown fruits are harvested in early autumn for culinary and medicinal use. Juniper berries are a mild diuretic that stimulate urination without causing loss of electrolytes. Added to food, juniper berries prevent gas and heartburn From the point of view of witches and occultists, the juniper's most common use is in the making of incense, for which both the dried berries and needles and the essential oil are used. The berries, having a relatively high oil content, tend to burn with a good deal of smoke and any incense containing them is likely to produce a good fug if that is what appeals to you. Manifestation - for incense intended for use in rituals where manifestation is an important part of the working, ie evocations, where oodles of smoke are helpful to the working. Purification - as an incense or "smudge" in most rituals of purification, including the blessing of houses and other buildings and for dedicating new working areas and temples; for animals (eg welcoming and dedicating new familiars); and for purifying people, for example baby-blessing ceremonies, initiations etc. A small bunch of twigs or a few berries in a pouch can also be hung in the rafters of a building or over the lintel of the doorway as a longer-term protection. This herb can also be used for health and beauty spells. This sample is 100% certified organic!