BarberryBarberry | Berberis vulgaris
general characteristics
general characteristics
Common names include barberry, European barberry, berberidis, pepperidge bush, piperidge, jaundice berry.
Barberry has been used for many hundreds of years in places like Egypt and the Middle East as a preventative against plaques and many other infectious and parasitic diseases. In India, its use as a medicine can be traced back 2,500 years.
It is a native of North Africa and parts of Asia but grows in many countries now. It is a deciduous shrubby plant growing up to 10 feet with sharp spines/thorns, small leathery and prickly leaves, small yellow flowers that hang in bunches in May/June followed by oblong shaped scarlet red berries in the Autumn.
It commonly grows on the edges of woodland, heaths and hedges, among other shrubs and is common in gardens and parks. It prefers dappled shade and can grow in most soil conditions.
Barberry dried root bark and tincture are available to buy in our herbal shop.
harvesting and preparation
harvesting and preparation
The root and/or the bark of the root and stems of barberry are the parts used medicinally. A section of root can be unearthed on a dry day in Autumn, cut off and the outer bark carefully removed. Cut the bark into small pieces before laying out on a tray lined with newspaper for drying. Dry out of the sun for a few days and store in an airtight container in a cool dark place.
Barberry dried root bark and tincture are available to buy in our herbal shop.
therapeutic actions and uses
therapeutic actions and uses
Barberry is considered by many herbalists as one of the safest all round liver, spleen, stomach and pancreatic tonic. It is bitter and cooling in nature. One of its most researched components is berberine (a yellow alkaloid also present in goldenseal and oregon grape root) which is a powerful antimicrobial. It also contains antioxidants.It acts as an antibacterial in the whole system and can be used to reduce the overload of 'bad' bacteria in the gut before encouraging the growth of 'good' bacteria with herbs, diet and fermented foods. This makes it suitable in the treatment of candida and fungal infections such as athletes foot, thrush etc.
Barberry combines well with fringe tree bark for gallbladder and skin diseases.
Herbalists and people who use plant remedies regularly, often allude to an innate intelligence in the plants. This recent investigation on barberry's ability to abort its own seeds to prevent parasitic infestation hints at the depths of the capabilities and usefulness of the plant kingdom.
dosage and cautions
dosage and cautions
Barberry is considered by the majority of herbalists to be a generally safe liver tonic herb when taken in the correct dose and usually as a part of a formula with other herbs.
Overdose should be avoided as it can result in diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, haemorrhoid's, dizziness and venous engorgement.
Caution should be used in gallbladder disorders involving blockages as barberry increases the flow of bile and may worsen the situation. Consult a herbalist in these cases.
*Barberry can interact with many prescribed and over the counter medications so consult with a qualified herbalist if you are taking any medicines before using barberry.
*Some sources suggest avoiding barberry if diarrhoea is present. This directly contradicts many years of experiential use as a prime remedy for persistent and infective diarrhoea such as dysentery.
*Stimulates the uterus and may cause miscarriage so avoid in pregnancy. *Avoid when breastfeeding.
Adult
Tincture (1:10 concentration): 2-4ml in a little water, 3 times daily.
Dried root in tea form: 1 level teaspoon of root, 3 times daily.
Many herbalists suggest taking this preparation cold. Achieve this by adding 3 level teaspoons of dried herb to a pan with about 3 cups worth of water, bring to the boil, simmer gently for 20 minutes then leave to brew overnight with a lid on. Strain off and drink the liquid throughout the next day, after meals.
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