# Hapusa

> Hapusa (Juniperus communis) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Essential oil components (alpha-pinene, sabinene) show good lipophilic absorption. Co-formulation with lipid-based carriers or self-emulsifying systems can enhance terpenoid bioavailability.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Juniperus communis

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Hapusa |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), [Arka](/herb/arka/) (distillate), Taila (oil), Capsule, Tablet

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g powder twice daily; 15-30ml Arka; 5-10 drops essential oil externally

**Bioavailability:** Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) volatile oils are rapidly absorbed via GI tract. Essential oil components (alpha-pinene, [sabinene](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sabinene)) show good lipophilic absorption. Co-formulation with lipid-based carriers or self-emulsifying systems can enhance terpenoid bioavailability.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water for digestive support; external oil application as needed

**Standardized Extract:** Essential oil standardized to minimum 30% alpha-pinene; hydroalcoholic extract standardized to 2% total terpenes

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (essential oil, sealed); 3 years (capsule)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place away from light. Essential oil in amber glass bottles, tightly sealed, below 25°C

**Marker Compounds:** Alpha-pinene, Sabinene, Beta-[myrcene](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myrcene), [Limonene](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#limonene), Terpinen-4-ol

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation (essential oil)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol:water)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction for terpene-rich fractions
- Aqueous decoction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) for urinary tract support
- With [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) synergy
- With [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) (castor) oil for joint pain relief (external application)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/hapusa/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.