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Berberidaceae
Barberry family
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Contents:
Common Names
Parts Usually Used
Plant(s) & Culture
Where Found
Medicinal Properties
Biochemical Information Legends, Myths and Stories
Uses
Formulas or Dosages
Nutrient Content
Warning
Bibliography
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Common Names
Berberidis
Common barberry
Daruharidra (Sanskrit name)
European barberry
Jaundice berry
Pepperidge bush
Sowberry
Wood turmeric
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Parts Usually Used
Root, root-bark, berries
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Barberry is a densely branched, deciduous shrub 3-8 feet tall, with many tripartite
spines on the yellowish branches; the root is yellow on the outside and its
bark has a bitter taste. The stems, growing from 3-8 feet high, are reddish
when young but turn dirty gray when older. The leaves are obovate to oval and
have a soft, bristly point, grow crowded together on short shoots.
The small, yellow flowers, 10-20 per raceme, appear from April to June and hang from the branches in clusters. Petals are not notched. The flowers are followed by bright red, oblong berries 1/2 inch long grow in copious clusters, ripening in August and September, have an agreeable acid taste and should be eaten only when ripe.
Another variety: Amur barberry (Berberidis
amerenis)
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Where Found
Grows in hard, gravely soil in the northeastern states and sometimes in rich
soils in the western states. In woods, fence rows, waste ground, roadsides and
hedges.
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Medicinal Properties
Tonic, purgative, hepatic, antiseptic, alterative, refrigerant, anthelmintic,
bacteriocide, aoebicidal
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Biochemical Information
Berberine alkaloid, chelidonic acid, resin, tannin, wax, berbamine, berberrubine,
columbamine, hydrastine, jatrorrhizine, manganese, oxycanthine, palmatine, and
vitamin C
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Legends, Myths and Stories
Many species of barberry are found all over the world. They are all used for
similar medicinal purposes by the different traditions. The yellow root was
an important dye for baskets, buckskins, and fabric among Native Americans.
The early Spanish-Americans used the yellow root to make neck-crosses (crucifixes).
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Uses
The berries must be ripe when used; taken for fever or diarrhea, dysentery,
typhus fever. The fresh juice used for mouthwash to strengthen gums or gargle.
The root-bark contains berberine, a bitter alkaloid, that aids in the secretion
of bile and is good for liver problems, acts as a mild purgative, and helps
regulate the digestive processes, dyspepsia. Possible beneficial effect on the
blood pressure by causing a dilatation of the blood vessels. Good for hepititis,
colic, jaundice, diabetes, consumption. Used as a bitter tonic to stimulate
digestion, and in the treatment of inflammatory arthritic, sciatica, and rheumatic
complaints. Decreases heart rate, depresses the breathing, stimulates intestinal
movement, reduces bronchial constriction, and kills bacteria on the skin. Externally,
for sores, burns, ulcers, acne, itch, tetters, ringworm, cuts, bruises. As a
tonic it will help convalescent patients recuperate. The berries can be made
into jellies or cooked with other fruits.
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Formulas or Dosages
Gather the root in spring or fall. Use only ripe berries.
Decoction: use 1/2 to 1 tsp. root bark with 1 cup water. Boil briefly, then steep for 5 minutes. Take 1/2 to 1 cup during the day, a mouthful at a time.
Tincture: take 3-7 drops, 3 or 4 times a
day, in water.
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Nutrient Content
Vitamin C
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Warning
Avoid in pregnancy. Large doses harmful.
