aksmith:

I made a short search on the Internet for juniper berries and found this:

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Juniper Berries and leaves are used to support healthy kidney and urinary tract function, and to promote healthy blood pressure. It is often found in natural formulas designed to promote regularity. As a diuretic, Juniper Berries eliminate excess water retention contributing to weight loss.

Also
This product [the information was for a product said to be 100% juniper berry] is not recommended if you are pregnant. Use no longer than six (6) weeks at a time, since long term use may irritate the kidneys. Avoid in cases of heavy menstrual bleeding or acute kidney infection. Due to its action on the kidneys, Juniper Berries should be avoided by those suffering from kidney disease.
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It sounds relatively safe and benign to me. Remember, we're talking 6 juniper berries in a recipe directed to feeding about four people, and these people probably aren't eating juniper berries very often would be my guess. It takes some doing to find juniper berries. I had to go to a specialty store to find mine.