Savin

(Juniperus sabina L., Cupressaceae)

Also called: Savin Tops.

Description: Generally low shrubs, up to several metres (yards) in diameter. Young branches with needle-shaped leaves as in juniper; leaves on older branches small, scale-like, adhering to the stems and the drug is chiefly of this form. Flowers indistinct, greenish-yellow; ripe fruits are blue 'berries'. Odour disagreeable, penetrating, especially on warm days. Taste: bitter.

Part Used: Young leafy tips of branches.

Habitat and Collection: Indigenous to the mountains of southern Europe in sunny, rocky areas. Frequently cultivated in Britain. Collection in summer or autumn and dried in the shade.

Constituents and Action: Volatile oil, toxic in high doses. In small doses the drug is dangerous, causing abdominal congestion and irritation of kidneys and bladder. In large doses it produces cramps, hallucinations and may cause death.

Usage: Rarely used in human medicine. An infusion (1 teaspoonful in 0.5 litre (1pt) of water) is very occasionally used in menstrual disorders, but because of its toxic action this treatment is discouraged. Externally the bruised plant, fresh or dried, is used for the removal of warts. It is more widely used in veterinary medicine in drenches, tonic powders, etc.