Herb Name including Botanical and Other Names:

 

Berberry, much like its cousin Barberry; is also known as Berberis vulgaris and it is an herb derived from the Berberidaceae shrub family. Other names for Berberry include common grape, Daruharidra, European Berberry Holy thorn, jaundice berry, Mahonia, mountain grape, Oregon Grape Root, Pepperidge, Pepperidge bush, Rocky Mountain Grape, and sowberry.

Herb Overview:

 

Used in ancient Egypt, Berberry is originally from west and northwest Africa; and southern, northern, and central Europe. The shrub from which Berberry is derived can grow to be 4 meters tall and the Berberry plant has oval leaves that range from1 to 2 centimeters in width and 2 to 5 centimeters long. The leaves of the Berberry appear in small clusters and the blooms of the Berberry are yellow in color. The Berberry fruit is reddish, appears in the last days of summer and in early autumn. The berries are non-poisonous and can therefore be eaten; they are a fantastic natural source for Vitamin C, but Berberry berries are acerbic or bitter tasting.

 

Berberry has a rich history embedded in folk medicine and it is an herb that has been used in natural remedies for centuries. Berberry has been used to increase one’s sense of well being; to take care of Biliary Disorders; to treat gallbladder disease; as a remedy for heartburn; as a treatment to improve one’s appetite; as a Fever reducer; to treat stomach ailments of all kinds and to treat intestinal issues.

 

Much like the herb Hydrastis Canadensis, also known as Goldenseal, Berberry has berberine alkaloids in its natural makeup. Due to the berberine alkaloids contained in Berberry, it is an excellent natural remedy for Bacterial Infections, and some people use Berberry to improve the functioning of the immune system.

 

 

Berberry is used to treat many infections, including those that occur in the gastrointestinal system, the urinary system, and the respiratory systems. Berberry is an excellent herb for throat irritations, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, bronchial irritations, yeast infections and the like. Meanwhile, Berberry is a time-honored treatment of psoriasis and it is often used to improve skin ailments of all kinds.

 

Berberry is used to treat Diarrhea, but it should be used in conjunction with a

stronger antibiotic. Because Berberry only treats the symptom of Diarrhea, not necessarily the cause, a supplementary treatment is called for.

 

 

Berberry can grow to be a fairly large shrub; some Berberry shrubs grow as tall as nine feet tall. The flowers are a fabulous yellow and the blooms will typically appear in the months of April through June. The Berberry berries will arrive with the coming of autumn and are often used in jams and jellies. The bark and berries of the Berberry can be used in natural treatments and many people like Berberries because they are not as acerbic as cranberries.

 

 

The active ingredient in Berberry is isoquinoline alkaloids. Isoquinoline alkaloids have antimicrobial substances that have anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating affects. Further, it is the isoquinoline alkaloids that make Berberry a good herb for Fever reduction. Berberry’s properties also make it a natural sedative, a natural anticonvulsant, and it is a good herb to use to reduce high Blood pressure.

 

Berberry can be purchased in the form of tinctures, extracts, ointment or pills. The dried roots of the Berberry plant can be used to brew in Tea and then taken internally.

 

 

Berberry can be used to treat the symptoms of Diarrhea in children. However, it is highly recommended that one talks to a physician or a professional herbalist before doing so. Again, although Berberry treats the symptoms of Diarrhea, it does not necessarily alleviate the ailment that produced the Diarrhea in the first place and the child may require additional medication to treat the original cause of the symptoms.

 

When taking Berberry, it is better to be monitored by a physician or a professional who is familiar with herbal remedies. It is recommended that when Berberry is taken, it is not taken longer than a period of one week. For treatment of stomach ailments, Berberry can be taken for five days; for treatment of other ailments including, infections, Diarrhea, and sore throats, seven days is sufficient.

Berberry can be brewed as a Tea; one or two teaspoons of crushed berries or two to four grams of dried Berberry root can be steeped in hot water. Tea can be ingested up to three times a day. Alternatively, Berberry Tincture can be used; the Tincture consists of three to six milliliters of barberry and it can be used up to three times a day as well. Meanwhile, for those individuals relying on Berberry extract, only 250 to 500 milligrams should be used a maximum of thrice daily and an extract consisting of no more than 10 percent Berberry can be applied externally for skin ailments, thrice daily. 

Again, the importance of being monitored by a healthcare professional cannot be overemphasized. Infections that are not treated properly can put one’s health at serious risk. Be sure to talk to a professional before using any herbal remedies.