Oregon Grape ~ Mahonia spp. (usually as Mahonia aquifolium)

Oregon Grape

Latin name: Mahonia spp. (usually as Mahonia aquifolium)

Family: Berberidaceae

Part used: root bark, stem bark

Habitat: Northwestern America

Main constituents: berberine

Energetics: bitter, astringent, drying, cooling

Main herbal actions: astringent, anti-microbial, alterative, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

Minor herbal actions: cholagogue, choleretic, stomachic

Main medicinal uses: giardia, cholera, amebiasis, leishmaniasis, atonic mucous membranes, sluggish gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary tracts, infectious conditions of the stomach and intestines, psoriasis, eczema, acne

Minor medicinal uses: liver congestion, cholecystitis

Preparations: decoction: 1 tsp/cup water; 1:5 dry tincture: 10-60 gtt qd-qid, capsules: 3-6 grams per day (Khalsa)

Contraindications: pregnancy

Toxicity: unknown

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth