Most common use was as a fumigant, deodorizer or cleanser, especially in connection with sickness. Boughs were burned or boiled and the strong pungent odour emitted was thought to purify the house and protect the inhabitants from infection and harmful spirits. They aslo boiled branches and berries to make a tea. which was taken as a medicine for a wide variety of ailments. Berries from certain species of juniper are used to flavour gin.