Barberry Bush

Berberis vulgaris

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The barberry bush is a well-known, bushy shrub, with pale-green deciduous leaves. Its stems are woody, grows to 8 to 10 feet high and is identified by its yellow root and dainty yellow blooms. It is a popular ornamental shrub that is fairly common in gardens.

The berries that grow on the barberry bush are about ½ inch long, oblong and slightly curved; when ripe, of a fine, red color and has a pleasant sharp biting taste.

This shrub is found in some parts of England, but is more common in Europe and Northern Africa.

TARGET AILMENTS

Take internally for:

* jaundice, when due to a congested state of the liver.

* hepatitis

* anemia

* indigestion

* heartburn

* gallstones

* inflammation of the gall-bladder

* constipation

* diarrhea

* swollen spleen

* hangover

Gargle with barberry tea for:

* sore throat

Use as a compress for:

* conjunctivitis (pink-eye)

* inflamed eyelids

* skin infection

PREPARATIONS:

Over the counter: Barberry is available as a root, fluid extract, and a powder.

Preparation and Dosage:

Infusion (Tea): Boil 1 oz. of barberry root in one cup of water for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool. Drink up to 3 to 4 cups a day as needed for up to 7 days. Add honey to sweeten.

Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of the tincture 3 times a day.

Compress: Soak a clean cloth in barberry tea and apply it directly to the infected are.

Combinations: Barberry combines well with Wild Yam, Dandelion, Licorice Root to cleanse the liver.

Combine barberry with Fringetree Bark and Black Root for help with gall-bladder disease.

Parts used: The bark of the root or stem from the barberry bush.

Collection: The roots of the barberry bush should be unearthed in early Spring or late Fall and the stem bark should be collected at the same time.

Constituents: Berberine (bitter alkaloid), oxyacanthine, tannins, and chelidonic acid

Actions: Cholagogue, tonic, purgative, antiseptic, anti-emetic, laxative, hepatic, anti-bilious

SIDE EFFECTS:

Not Serious: Upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or faintness may be experienced. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, check with your practitioner.

Serious: If taken in large doses, barberry may cause convulsions or drastically lower blood pressure, heart rate, or respiration. If any of these actions should occur top using the herb immediately and contact your practitioner.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

* WARNING: If you are pregnant, do not take barberry, because of its stimulant effect on the uterus. Consult with a herbalist or licensed healthcare professional if you have heart disease or chronic respiratory problems.