Common Names:

 

 

Other names: European barberry; jaundice berry; Pepperidge; Pepperidge bush; sowberry; Daruharidra; Garibaldi; and Kingor.

 

 

 

The barberry has been used medicinally since the ancient Egyptians used it with fennel against the plague. In the middle ages it was used for liver and gallbladder disorders. In Russia it has been used for inflammation and high Blood pressure and American Indians used it to improve appetite. For many years in Europe and America it has been used in treatments for stomach complaints including Diarrhea and loss of appetite, and also for fevers and to improve energy and well-being. This herb is widely used today in the Middle East for heartburn and Biliary Disorders, and Ayurveda healers in India have used it for dysentery. 

 

Because of its ability to reduce Fever and fight infection, barberry can be used for various inflammations and infections. These include respiratory tract disorders such as sore throats, sinusitis, rhinitis and bronchitis, where it helps to remove mucoid accumulations, and urinary and gastrointestinal infections. It can also be used for Candida affecting the skin or Vagina. Further research is needed to discover whether this herb can improve other skin conditions such as psoriasis.

 

 

Some studies have shown that barberry can help to ease the symptoms of Diarrhea including that caused by food poisoning. However, it is important that the herb is taken with standard antibiotic drugs as it has not yet been proved to be effective in clearing the intestines of Bacteria, and the consequences of bacterial Diarrhea can be serious. It can be used in the treatment of stomach ulcers.

 

 

Barberry has also been shown to correct liver function, including the treatment of jaundice, and to promote the flow of bile. It can be useful for gall-bladder inflammation or gall-stones. It has a tendency to dilate blood vessels, thereby reducing Blood pressure. It is often used as a tonic to strengthen and cleanse the system.

 

 

Growing to approximately nine feet in height, the Barberry is a thorny shrub that produces small, yellow flowers hanging in clusters between April and June. From August to September, the bright red, oblong berries appear, which can be used to make jam. They have an acidic flavor and should only be used when ripe. The root has a yellow color and the stems are reddish when new, but turn grey as they get older. It has oval leaves ending in a bristly point. The berries and bark are both used in medicinal preparations.

 

The shrub is native to Europe and the British Isles and commonly found as a garden bush. However, it also now grows in parts of North America and is closely related to Berberis aquifolium which is native to North America. It grows best in dry, sunny locations.

 

The main active ingredients of this plant are isoquinoline alkaloids which are found in the stem, root bark and berries. The positive medicinal effects of these alkaloids have been shown in studies to include antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, Fever-reducing, sedative, anticonvulsant and Blood pressure reducing properties. They can also help to improve digestion and ease Stomach pain because of their effects on the muscles on the gastrointestinal tract.

 

It has a very similar use to Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) which contains the same active substances.

 

Other ingredients are chelidonic Acid, resin and tannin.

 

This herb can be taken in capsules, liquid extracts or tinctures, or used externally as an ointment. A Tea can be made from the dried roots. Standardized extracts of Barberry contain 8% to 12% isoquinoline alkaloids.

 

 

Children: Only to be used with caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Some herbalists may use barberry to reduce Diarrhea in children, but this should not be practiced at home. The herb should not be given to children under 2 years of age.

 

Adults: For stomach upsets the herb can be taken for three to five days and not longer than seven days unless it is taken in combination with other herbs and under the recommendation of a practitioner. Sometimes the Tincture form is combined with other herbs such as gentian. Take 2-5ml of the Tincture, 15-20 minutes before a meal, three times a day.

 

For sore throats, bladder infections, Diarrhea, bronchitis or Candida (yeast) infections, the Tea, Tincture or dry extracts can be taken in the following amounts:

 

Tea: 2-4g dried root or 1-2 tsp berries steeped in 150ml hot water for 10-15 minutes. Take three times daily. This can also be used as a mouthwash for and gargle for sore throats. A teaspoon of the bark can also be made into a decoction by using in cold water, bringing to the  boil and leaving for 10-15 minutes.

 

Tincture: 3-6ml three times a day.

 Dry extract: 250-500mg three times daily.

 The roots can be pulverized in a little water and used for the treatment of mouth ulcers

For skin disorders, use 10% extract in ointment form and apply three times a day.

Adults over 65 should start with lower doses.

 

 

Where infection is present, barberry should never be taken in place of prescribed antibiotics. Always consult a healthcare practitioner in these cases as some infections can prove dangerous if not treated.

 

Very high doses of barberry have been known to cause nosebleeds, Vomiting, convulsions and dangerous drops of Blood pressure. However, normal doses have no known reported side effects.

 

Pregnant women should NOT take barberry. It is possible that the herb can produce contractions and thereby trigger a miscarriage. It is also recommended that the herb should not be taken while breast-feeding.

 

Any herb taken for treating disease must be taken with care and under the supervision of practitioners. All herbs contain active ingredients that can produce side effects, particularly in combination with other herbs or medications.

 

If any dizziness or faintness is experienced while taking the herb, stop taking it immediately.