Good question. It might be that weak lye action that releases the calcium for absorption.
Juniper ash is made mostly from burned needles, rather than wood branches.
That's a good thing to know before making a really bad batch of corn mush. I don't think I'd emulate their use of an aluminum pan though.
One of those disposable pans. They held the burning branches over the pan and then sifted the ashes when they cooled. I doubt there’s enough exposure to the aluminum to hurt anyone.
We have an ancient local cedar in the front yard. I’m not fond of the turpentine-y taste of juniper berries, but after watching the Navajo cooking vids, I looked at some of the uses for berries. All recipes except the medicinal ones use only a few berries at a time...not that appealing, for me. Basically, use 3-4 smashed berries w/caraway in cabbage or for a pork or lamb rub. Also for game.
Always thought the hominy treatment was for niacin activation. It was poverty food in an era rife with pellagra.