Bark of root or stem. Gather the root in.spring
or fall. Use only ripe berries
Active Compounds
Alkaloids of the isoquinoline type, mainly
berberine, berbamine and derivatives, berberrubine, bervulcine, columbamine,
isotetrandrine, jatrorrhizine, magnoflorine, oxycanthine and vulvracine
Miscellaneous, including chelidonic acid, resin, tannin etc.
History
Barberry has played a prominent role in
herbal healing for more than 2,500 years. The ancient Egyptians used
it to prevent plagues. India's Ayurveda healers used it for dysentery.
During the early middle ages, European herbalists used it to treat
liver and gallbladder ailments. Russian healers used it for inflammations,
high blood pressure, and for abnormal uterine bleeding. American
Indians recognize barberry as similar to Oregon grape.
Used for the treatment as an antibiotic, immune stimulant, for
treating pinkeye, high blood pressure.
One study showed that the herb may shrink some tumors. Another
study shoed that it has anti-inflammatory properties, useful for
treating arthritis. More work is needed in this case.
Indications : Barberry is one of the best remedies for correcting
liver function and promoting the flow of bile. It is indicated when
there is an inflammation of the gall-bladder or in the presence
of gall stones. When jaundice occurs due to a congested state of
the liver, Barberry is also indicated. As a bitter tonic with mild
laxative effects, it is used with weak or debilitated people to
strengthen and cleanse the system The herb is believed to have the
ability to reduce an enlarged spleen. It acts against malaria.
Herbalists recommend barberry as a stimulating tonic hepatic: influences
the mucosa generally, removing mucoid accumulations and controlling
excess secretion. Improves appetite, digestion and assimilation.
Indicated for gouty constitutions.
Felter considered barberry much like Hydrastis and could be employed
for many of the uses of that scarce and high-priced drug. Barberry
tends to dilate the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.
A teaspoon of the root will purge the bowels, or use an infusion
of the berries with wine for the same purpose. A decoction of either
berries or root bark makes a good mouthwash or gargle for mouth
and throat irritations. The fresh juice of the fruit is also said
to strengthen the gums and relieve pyorrhea when brushed on or applied
directly to the gums.
Ayurvedic Applications
For bile and urinary conditions, Pitta detoxification, and congestion
of abdomen and pelvic cavities; rheumatism, scarlet fever, brain
disorders, heat, thirst, nausea; small amounts- tonic; large doses-purgative;
excellent herb for jaundice, during pregnancy, mild laxative, periodic
neuralgia, fevers, skin diseases, vomiting in pregnancy; fruit-mild
laxative/purgative for children, fevers, blood purifier, malaria,
gastric and duodenal ulcers; sores, jaundice, enlarged liver and
spleen, and regulates liver functioning, diabetes, and toxins/ama
(with twice as much turmeric); destroys toxins, reduces body fat
(with turmeric); renal calculi, abdominal and pelvic congestion;
G.I. stimulant, reduces blood pressure.
Description
A common garden bush, native to Europe
and the British Isles, naturalized in North America, flowering in
April and May. It is a deciduous shrub that grows in hard, gravelly
soil in the northeastern states and sometimes in rich soils in the
western states. The root is yellow on the outside and its bark has
a bitter taste. The stems, growing from 3 to 8 feet high, are reddish
when young but turn dirty gray when older. The leaves are obovate
to oval and have a soft, bristly point The small, yellow flowers appear
from April to June and hang from the branches in clusters. The bright
red, oblong berries, ripening in August and September, have an agreeable
acid taste and should be eaten only when ripe.
Dosage
Decoction: put 1 teaspoonful of the bark into a cup of cold water
and bring to the boil. Leave for 10 - 15 minutes. This should be
drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 1-2ml of the tincture three times a day.
Combinations : In gall-bladder diseases it combines well with Fringe
Tree Bark and Black Root.
Safety
Avoid during pregnancy; barberry may stimulate the uterus.
In high doses, barberry can cause nausea, vomiting, convulsions,
hazardous drops in blood pressure, and depression of the heart rate
and breathing. If you are suffering from heart disease or chronic
respiratory system, do not take large doses of this herb and use
only with the approval of your doctor.
Use only in medicinal amounts. If the herb causes dizziness or
faintness, stop using the herb immediately.
Do not give to children under 2 years old. For older children and
those older than 65, start with a lower strength than recommended
above.
M
