Welcome Guest to Monachee Support site!

Berberis aquifolium

Back to Botanical Name View
Record ID:17

Naming
Botanical Name: Berberis aquifolium
Common Names: Mahonia aquifolia. Holly-leaved Barberry. Oregon G
Key Name: Oregon Grape Root
Parts Used: root Root, root bark, bark of stem, rhizome berries. Some herbalists use the leaves.
Sister Plants:
Comments: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/g/gramou33.html

Characteristics
Identifying Character: It is a quickly-growing shrub about 6 feet high:
Stem: The bark is brown on the surface and yellow beneath.
Leaves: the oddly compound leaves have no spine at the base; they are evergreen and shining.
Flowers: The flowers grow in terminal racemes, are small and yellowish-green in colour,
Fruit: The purple berries are three- to nine-seeded
Taste:
Odour:
Root: The root is from 1/2 inch in diameter to 3 inches at the base of the stem, odourless, and with a bitter taste
Image URL:

Distribution
Distribution:
Cultivation:
Harvest:

Medical
Therapeutic Action: Alterative,Anthelmintic,Cholagogue,Digestive,Diuretic,Hepatic,Laxative,Tonic
Medical Uses: syphilis and impure blood-conditions. It may be used like colombo, berberis, etc., in dyspepsia and chronic mucous complaints. In constipation it is combined with Cascara Sagrada. It improves digestion and absorption. Acne, Amoebas, Arthritis, Bloodshot Eyes, Boils, Candida, Cholera, Conjunctivitis, Debility, Diabetes, Dysentery, Eczema, Edema, Fever, Gallstones, Gastritis, Gastroenteritis, Giardia, Hangovers, Hepatitis, Herpes, Hypothyroid, Jaundice, Kidney Stones, Liver Stagnation, Malaria, Psoriasis, Salmonella, Scrofula, Shigella, Sore Throat, Spleen Enlargement, Staphylococcus, Syphilis

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

The antibacterial properties of the alkaloid berbamine have shown activity against Staphyloccus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and Eschorichia Coli. It has antimicrobial properties that are especially beneficial for the skin and intestinal tract. It helps to dilate blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure. Mahonia is more effective for chronic liver problems.

opical Uses: Boils, Conjunctivitis, Itchy Skin, Pyorrhea, Sore Throat, Wounds

Topical Applications: Eyewash for infections such as conjunctivitis and bloodshot eyes. Berries made into a gargle for sore throat. Use as a mouthwash or apply directly to gums for pyorrhea. Use as salve or wash for itchy skin, boils and wounds.

Culinary uses: Berries can be cooked, made into jams and syrup, and candied. Berries are edible raw, and the juice is often used as a substitute for lemon juice.

Energetics: Bitter, Cold.

Good for all infections and hot skin conditions, both acute and chronic, including acne, chronic dermatitis, rashes, herpes, itching and scaly conditions such a s eczema and psoriasis. Infectious hepatitis (esp. B), Jaundice, liver stagnation, periodontal disease, liver stagnation, Constipation and indigestion, all infectious diseases of the genitourinary tract especially with discharges. Chronic candid, stimulates thyroid. Used by the Native Americans as an anti-septic and detoxifier. It is used externally to disinfect open wounds, boils, acne, and eczema. Power to ground and promotes security
Constituents: The principal constituent is a high proportion of berberin, and there is also oxycanthin. Alkaloids (berberine, berbamine, oxyacanthine), chelidonic acid, resin, tannins. Berries are rich in vitamin C.<
Solvents:
Dosage: 10 to 30 drops.
Administration:
Formulas:
Contra Indications: Use only the dried plant, as the fresh root can be excessively purgative and cause nausea. Avoid during pregnancy. Avoid in hyperthyroid conditions.
Preparation: Fluid extract
Chinese:
Veterinary:
Homeopathic:

Pollination and Pollinators
Apis: No
Pollinator:
Pollen: No
Pollen Notes:
Nectar: No
Nectar Notes:

Other
Non-Medical Uses:
Culinary Uses:
History:
Reference:
URL:
Share: Public
cm