Fwd: [wildforager2] Herbal Barberry

[Guest guest]

Not being an herbalist myself, would anyone like to comment on this?

Be Well,

Misty

http://www..com

 

Berberis vulgaris (Common Barberry)

 

Michael Castlemans Healing herbs says that Barberry Berbis vulgaris and Oregon

Grape Berbis aquifolium or Mahonia aquioflium are powerful antibiotics. They are

also known as Berberry, berberis and jaundice berry. The parts used for

medicine are the root bark. And other members in the same family include the May

Apple, mandrake and blue cohosh.

Barberry and its close relative the Oregon grape stiumlate the immune system

reduce blood pressure and even shrink some tumors.

 

It has been used since ancient times to prevent the plagues, and in India

Ayurvedic presceibed it for dysenterty. It received the name Jaundice Berry

because of the doctorine of signatures

dictated that it's yellow flowers and the roots that produce a yellow dye and

was likened to the yellowing of the skin and eyes during jaundice.

 

Russian healers recommended it for inflamations, high blood pressure, and

abnormal uterine bleeding. In the 19th century American Eclectic physicians

prescribed barberry as a purgative and treatment for jaundice, dysentery, eye

infections, cholera, fevers, and impurities of the blood a euphemism for

syphilis. The berberine in both plants has remarkable infection fighting

properties, killing microorganisms that cause wound infections, (Staphylocci,

Streptococci), diahrhea, (Samlmonella, Shigella), dysentery (Endamoeba

histolytica) Cholera (Vibriocholera), giardiasis (Giardia lamblia), urinary

tract infections (Escherchia coli) and vaginal yeast infections

(Candida albicans).

 

 

It stimulates the immune system, in Germany it is still used to treat pinkeye,

reduces blood pressure by enlarging the blood vessels, It is a prennial shrub

with hangin clusters of bright yellow flowers and the edible berries are used to

make jams and jellies. And the berry juice can be substituted for lemon juice.

 

 

 

Re: Berberis vulgaris (Common Barberry)

 

From The Natural pharmacy:

 

 

Parts used and where grown: The root and stem bark contain the medicinally

active components of barberry. The barberry bush also produces small red

berries. Although this particular

species is native to Europe, it now also grows throughout North America. A

closely related species, Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium), is native to North

America. Barberry has been used in connection with the following conditions

(refer to the individual

health concern for complete information): Ranking Health Concerns

 

Secondary Bronchitis

Diarrhea (berberine)

 

Other

 

Gallstones

Gastritis

 

Indigestion

 

Psoriasis

 

Vaginitis

 

 

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific

studies): Traditionally, in European and American herbalism, barberry was used

to treat a large number of conditions, particularly infections and stomach

problems.1

It has also been used internally to treat skin conditions.

 

 

Active constituents: The alkaloid berberine receives the most research and

widest acclaim as the active component of barberry and its relatives. Berberine

is also a key constituent

of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Berberine and its cousins (such as

oxyacanthine) are antibacterial2 and also kill ameba in test tubes.3 Berberine

inhibits bacteria from attaching to human cells, which helps prevent an

infection from occurring.4 This compound treats diarrhea caused by bacteria,

such as E. coli.5

Berberine also stimulates some immune system cells to function better.6

Berbamine is another alkaloid found in barberry.

 

It helps reduce inflammation7 and is an antioxidant.8 The bitter compounds in

barberry, including the alkaloids mentioned above, stimulate digestive function

following meals. How much is usually taken? For digestive conditions, barberry

is often combined with other bitter herbs, such as gentian, in tincture

form. Such mixtures are taken fifteen to twenty minutes before a meal, usually

2–5 ml each time.

 

 

As a tincture, 2–3 ml of barberry can be taken three times per day. Standardized

extracts containing 5–10% alkaloids are preferable for preventing infections;

with a total of approximately 500 mg of berberine taken each day. Standardized

extracts of goldenseal are a more common source of berberine, since it

contains a higher concentration of this compound compared to barberry. An

ointment made from a 10% extract of barberry can be applied topically three

times per day.

 

A tea/infusion can be prepared using 2 grams of the herb in a cup of boiling

water. This can be repeated two to three times daily.9

 

Are there any side effects or interactions? Berberine alone has been reported to

interfere with normal bilirubin metabolism in infants, raising a concern that it

might worsen jaundice.10 For this reason, berberine-containing plants, including

barberry

and goldenseal, should be used with caution in pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Strong standardized extracts may cause stomach upset and should be used for no

more than two weeks

continuously. Other symptoms of excessive berberine intake include lethargy,

nose bleed, skin and eye irritation, and kidney

irritation.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

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