Herb name including Botanical and other names

Barberry’s Latinized name is Berberis vulgaris. It is known by many other common names including Berberry, Berberis, Common Grape, Jaundice Berry, Mountain Grape, Oregon Grape, Mahonia, Pepperidge, Sour-Spine, Sow Berry, Trailing Mahonia, and Woodsour.

Herb overview

The Barberry is one of 500 species. Barberry shrubs can be found in various areas throughout the world including North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The Barberry is a shrub or hedge that possesses flowers that later turn into bright red berries. The berries are acerbic, much like cranberries, but are edible none the less. The berries from a Barberry shrub are often used in jams and certain species of the Barberry are used to produce medicines like podophyllin. The flowers of the Barberry shrub have sepals numbering four to six and Barberry has been revered as an herbal remedy for centuries and was first used by the ancient Egyptians in a concoction created to fend of the plague.

Barberry remains in use and is a common natural remedy for Diarrhea and gastrointestinal ailments. Meanwhile, Barberry is believed to promote immune system functioning, increase one’s sense of overall well being, and it has been used in Iran for gallbladder treatments. Heartburn can also be alleviated through the use of Barberry. Meanwhile, some individuals rely on Barberry to lower fevers and Barberry has been found to fend of certain infections.

Herb Description

Barberry is a hedge plant, one that possesses a number of branches covered with thorns. Typically, the average Barberry shrub can grow over 8 feet tall. Flowers appear in early spring, during the months of April, lasting till June and they are usually yellow in color. The flowers give way to bright read berries in the early fall and they are great for jams, jellies and spreads.

Barberry is used to treat skin ailments and internal infections. Barberry helps to minimize the inflammation that comes from many skin ailments, it is excellent for Urinary Tract Infections, and it is equally revered for its ability to alleviate certain gastrointestinal issues. Both upper and lower respiratory issues are often treatable with Barberry and Barberry can soothe a soar throat. Yeast infections can be successfully treated with the use of Barberry and skin ailments like psoriasis can improve with the use of Barberry in its available forms.

Although Barberry is used to treat Diarrhea, it is important that an individual using Barberry seek out the advice of a healthcare professional. Whatever may be causing the Diarrhea may require special treatment, in conjunction with the use of Barberry and a healthcare professional can advise an individual on the best course of treatment. Diarrhea can be the sign a far more serious health condition, one that may not be treatable with the use of Barberry alone. Consequently, the assistance of a healthcare professional is strongly advised.

In regions of the Middle East, Barberry has been used as a natural antihistamine and it is therefore used to fend off symptoms produced by allergic reactions. Further, it is believed that the extract of Barberry is good for certain cardiovascular and neural conditions and it is frequently used to treat hypertension.

Barberry may be helpful in treating:

• Bacterial Infections
• high Blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Fungal Infections
• sleeplessness
• Urinary Tract Infections
• wounds
• yeast infections

Herb Make-Up

The active ingredient in Barberry are isoquinoline alkaloids. Individuals relying on Barberry should refrain from ingesting citrus drinks while taking the herb. Citrus drinks reduce the alkaline in the urine, a necessary component in urine which is needed to produce the desired affect from the use of Barberry. Therefore, individuals should refrain from drinking orange, grapefruit, and pineapple or tomato juice while using Barberry. The isoquinoline alkaloids in Barberry also act as a natural sedative, an anticonvulsant and they are the ingredient that successfully helps to reduce high Blood pressure. Meanwhile, the isoquinoline alkaloids in Barberry help to alleviate gastrointestinal issues.

Types Available

Barberry comes in a variety of available forms. Individuals can take Barberry in capsule form, or they can use Barberry fluid extracts, Barberry ointments and Barberry tinctures. In fact, dried Barberry can be brewed as a Tea and ingested.

Method of Intake

Barberry can be given to children to alleviate Diarrhea, however, it is not prudent to give Barberry to children without first consulting a physician. A physician can successfully diagnose the cause of Diarrhea and order the proper treatment for the ailment; an ailment that Barberry may not successfully address. Meanwhile, adults can safely use Barberry in a variety of forms, but it is not recommended that the product be taken more than seven days. Adults can brew Barberry Tea, created from berries, up to thrice daily. Alternatively, adults can use Barberry tincture, Barberry extract, or Barberry ointment up to three times a day.

Precautions

When using Barberry it is extremely important that individuals get healthcare assistance. A doctor can diagnose a condition that may not be treatable by Barberry alone. Meanwhile a physician can also monitor one’s use of Barberry and watch for interactions or reactions that may occur.

It is not recommended that Barberry be taken more than seven days at a time. It is also recommended that users of Barberry watch for adverse reactions and the signs of overdose. The symptoms of a Barberry overdose include nose Bleeding, vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhea, kidney irritation, the feeling of being dazed, feelings of confusion, and the onset of stupor. Meanwhile, an allergic reaction will reveal itself in the following symptoms: hives, swelling of the throat, lips, tongue and facial areas, and difficulty breathing. If any of the above mentioned symptoms should occur, you should contact a physician immediately.

Pregnant women cannot take Barberry. Doing so can result in a miscarriage brought on by contractions produced from the use of Barberry. Breastfeeding mothers may want to refrain from using Barberry until the newborn is weaned. There are no conclusive studies on the affects of Barberry on newborns and the newborns can be exposed to Barberry through the mother’s milk.

Interaction Possibilities

Currently, there are no noted interactions produced by Barberry and other medications. Nevertheless, it is important to speak with a professional before taking Barberry with any other medication.