I came across this in a book and there isn't any info that I can find online for further research. There must be someone here that knows something about this tree......



JUNIPER -- _Juniperas macropoda._ Family Cupressaceae (Cypress
family).
Materials: Leaves and branches of bush or tree found in
northwestern Himalayan area. Berries of some juniper species are used
in gin.
Usage: Leaves and branches are spread upon embers of fire.
Person places blanket over head while inhaling smoke.
Active Constituents: Psychotropic agent uncertain.
Nonacosanol,beta-D-glucoside of beta-sitosterol, sugiol (a diterpene
ketone), and several glycosides and aglycones have been isolated.
Effects: Intoxicant, hallucinogen, and deliriant. Causes user to
move about in agitated, dizzy manner for several minutes, then
collapse into hypnotic trance. Experience lasts about 30 minutes
during which user may experience visions of communication with
supernatural entities.
Contraindication: Not specifically known, but obviously not for
frequent use. Probably hepatotoxic.

Juniper trees grow all over these deserts, they have amazing medicinal properties in their sap and berries, not to mention pine nuts. Also, cedar wood smells divine on a fire. As far as psychoactive properties, I have never noticed such profound effects, but burning cedar wood does tend to give a nice mood lift on par with frankincense ime. Interesting entry however, I may have to look at doing some more work with these trees

Ratsch has spoken of it's use among nepalese shamans..probly the kirati but I am not 100% sure..