BARBERRY

Alternate Names: Oregon Grape Root, Rocky Mountain Grape, Mahonia, Pipperidge Bush, Holy Thorn, Sowberry, Oregon Grape, Berberry, Jaundice Berry, Daruharidra (Sanskrit)

Parts Used: Root, root bark, bark of stem, rhizome berries. Some herbalists use the leaves.

Properties: Alterative, Amoebicidal, Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Bitter Tonic, Cardiotonic, Cholagogue, Digestive Tonic, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Galactagogue, Hepatic, Immune Stimulant, Laxative, Liver Tonic, Siliagogue, Thyroid Stimulant, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Acne, Amoebas, Arthritis, Bloodshot Eyes, Boils, Candida, Cholera, Conjunctivitis, Debility, Diabetes, Dysentery, Eczema, Edema, Fever, Gallstones, Gastritis, Gastroenteritis, Giardia, Hangovers, Hepatitis, Herpes, Hypothyroid, Jaundice, Kidney Stones, Liver Stagnation, Malaria, Psoriasis, Salmonella, Scrofula, Shigella, Sore Throat, Spleen Enlargement, Staphylococcus, Syphilis

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

The antibacterial properties of the alkaloid berbamine have shown activity against Staphyloccus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and Eschorichia Coli. It has antimicrobial properties that are especially beneficial for the skin and intestinal tract. It helps to dilate blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure. Mahonia is more effective for chronic liver problems.

Topical Uses: Boils, Conjunctivitis, Itchy Skin, Pyorrhea, Sore Throat, Wounds

Topical Applications: Eyewash for infections such as conjunctivitis and bloodshot eyes. Berries made into a gargle for sore throat. Use as a mouthwash or apply directly to gums for pyorrhea. Use as salve or wash for itchy skin, boils and wounds.

Culinary uses: Berries can be cooked, made into jams and syrup, and candied. Berries are edible raw, and the juice is often used as a substitute for lemon juice.

Energetics: Bitter, Cold.

Chemical Constituents: Alkaloids (berberine, berbamine, oxyacanthine), chelidonic acid, resin, tannins. Berries are rich in vitamin C.

Contraindications: Use only the dried plant, as the fresh root can be excessively purgative and cause nausea. Avoid during pregnancy. Avoid in hyperthyroid conditions. Do not use in cases of excessive flatulence. High doses can cause vomiting, lowered blood pressure and lowered heart rate.

Comments: The Mahonia and Berberis species (Oregon Grape and Barberry, respectively) are very closely related, and herbalists often treat them as one herb. They are treated as one herb in this description.

The genus name Berberis is thought to be derived from a Phoenician word, barbar, meaning 'glossy' in reference to the glossy leaves. Farmers often dislike Barberry, because it can transmit a fungus to nearby wheat crops.

The species name Mahonia is named after Bernard McMahon, an American horticulturist. Mahonia is evergreen and has prickly leaves, but the stems lack thorns. Berberis is a deciduous that has smooth leaves and thorny stems. Oregon Grape is often cultivated as it is an excellent xeriscape plant with green leaves, yellow flowers and purplish berries. It is often used as a substitute for Goldenseal. Mahonia is, of course, the state flower of Oregon.

The common name Barberry includes Berberis repens, Berberis aqilfolia, Berberis nervosa, Berberis pinnata, Berberis vulgaris and other Berberis species, which are used interchangeably with Mahonia repens, Mahonia aquilfolium, Mahonia nervose, Mahonia pinnata, and other Mahonia species.

-- Phil in KS (pemccoy@yahoo.com), March 18, 2002

Answers

Wow, Phil! I have seen conflicting info on Mahonia/Berberis and have wondered why. Now I know!! What is your source for all these great posts?

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), March 18, 2002.