BARBERRY

BARBERRY

(Berberis vulgaris)                Top Pick

Other Names

Berberry, Berberis, European Barberry, Jaundice Berry, Oregon Grape Root, Pepperidge, Sowberry.

Description

Barberry is a 3 - 8 foot deciduous shrub native to North America.   The inside of the root is yellow and the bark has a bitter taste. The leaves are oval in shape with a soft bristly point.   The small yellow flowers bloom from April through June and hang from the branches in clusters.   The bright red berries ripen during August and September.

Classification

Taste

Balance Yin/Yang

Cooling

Humor

Fire   ê      Water    ê      Air    Û

Uses/Applications

Barberry is way under used.   It is an effective and strong antibiotic for external and internal use.   Use Barberry to correct liver function, promote bile flow, reduce an enlarged spleen, and to strengthen and cleanse the system.   Use for jaundice, hepatitis, to reduce blood pressure, to reduce bronchial constrictions, and to reduce heart rate. It is also used as a mild laxative.

Combinations

Black Root, Fringtree Bark.

Constituents

Alkaloids, Tannins, Berberine

Action

Anti-Septic, Sedative, Cholagogue, Anti-Emetic, Bitter Tonic, Laxative, Hepatic.

Food Values

None

Part Used

Root, Stem, Berries.

Collection

Collect the stems and roots in early spring or late fall.   Pare off the bark from the root and stem, then dry in the shade.   Pick the ripe berries from August through September.

Preparation

Decoction

Put 1 Tsp. bark into a cup of cold water then bring to a boil for 10 to 15 minutes.   Take three times per day.

Tincture

Put 3 - 7 drops in a glass of water.   Take three to four times per day.

Growing Directions

Barberry grows easily in fertile, moist, well drained soil.   It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.   Start the seeds indoors.   Seeds planted in fall will germinate the following spring.   In the spring after flowering, prune and thin the branches.   In areas with cold winters be sure to shelter it from the wind.

History

Barberry has had an important role in healing for more than 2500 years.   The ancient Egyptians used it to prevent plagues.   India’s Ayuvedic healers prescribed it for dysentery.   Early settler's first learned of Barberry’s therapeutic use from Native American Indians who made a bitter brew from the root.

Additional Information

1.   Barberry was an ingredient in the controversial Hoxsey Cancer Formula, an alternative cancer therapy used from 1930 to 1950. 

2.   British researchers have isolated substances in the plant that promote the flow of bile. 

3.   Another study shows that Barberry helps shrink tumors. 

4.   Still another shows its anti-inflammatory qualities that may be useful in treating arthritis. 

5.   Research shows Barberry contains a number of physiologically active alkaloids.

6.   One study that isolated Berberine as an active constituent proved Barberry was more potent against bacteria than Chloramphenicol, a powerful antibiotic.

7.   Another study showed its anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity.

Cautions

1.   Eat only ripe berries.

2.   Do not give to children under 2 year or the elderly

3.   High doses may cause nausea, vomiting, and hazardous drops in blood pressure.

4.   If you have heart problems do not take high doses.

5.   Do not take Barberry if you are pregnant.

Magick Information

No magical value.