Herb Profile- Barberry Root Bark

Ever wonder how to use Barberry root bark (Berberis vulgaris)? Barberry is a large bush that can grow up to 15 feet tall. Though native to Europe, it has been grown in parts of the US. It has leaves similar to a Holly bush and red berries. The bark of the trunk and root is known for its medicinal uses as it contains alkaloids that assist in a number of bodily functions, especially of the digestive track.

According to BulkHerbStore.com:

Barberry is noted in folk medicine as a cure for nearly every gastrointestinal ailment, lymphatics, urinary tract and respiratory infection. It has been used as a bitter tonic and antypyretic. Berberine, the primary alkaloid, is a potent antibiotic, astringent and antifungal. When taken for infections, it controls the overgrowth of candida albacans as well as functioning as a bactericide. This is a real advantage over conventional antibiotics. It also controls infectious diarrhea and increases the production of the digestive enzymes.

In Italy, Barberry is known as “Holy Thorn” as it was believed to have formed part of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. According this this article:

Barberry is said to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure by causing a dilatation of the blood vessels.  This herb has also been used to relieve hepatitis, colic, jaundice, diabetes and consumption.  Historically, Barberry was used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion and in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis, sciatica and rheumatic complaints.  Use of this botanical is believed to decrease heart rate, depress breathing, stimulate intestinal movement, reduce bronchial constriction and kill bacteria on the skin.  External applications have included use for sores, burns, ulcers, acne, itch, tetters ringworm, cuts and bruises.  It is indicated in congestive jaundice and inflammation of the gallbladder and gallstones.  As a bitter tonic with mild laxative effects, Barberry has been used by weak or debilitated people to strengthen and cleanse the system.   It is also thought to reduce an enlarged spleen.  The herb is said to combat malaria and has been effective in the treatment of protozoan infections.  Berberine is highly antibacterial, anti-amoebic and trypanocidal and has been active in vitro and in animals against cholera.  It makes a useful compress for inflammatory eye conditions such as blepharitis and conjunctivitis.

Barberry can be found in capsules or in dried form and can be used in tinctures.

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