Barberry ~ Berberis vulgaris

Barberry

Latin name: Berberis vulgaris

Family: Berberidaceae

Part used: bark of stem and root (mainly); root, ripe berries

Habitat: native to Europe, naturalized in N. America

Main constituents: isoquinoline alkaloids (berberine, berbamine, etc.), chelidonic acid, resin, tannins

Energetics: bitter, cooling

Main herbal actions: hepatic cleansing action, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cholagogue, anti-emetic, stimulating hypotensive

Minor herbal actions: increases platelet and white blood cell counts in leukocytopenia, sedative, antipyretic

Main medicinal uses: bacterial infections, gall bladder inflammation or stones, hepatic congestion, liver tumors, dysentery

Minor medicinal uses: malaria, enlarged spleen, pyorrhea

Preparations: tincture: 1-2 ml tid; decoction: 1 heaping tsp boiled in 8 oz water for 10-15 min, tid (note possible discrepancies for doses of different preparations)

Contraindications: pregnancy (possible), children under 2 years (possible)

Toxicity: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, faintness, convulsions, hazardous drops in blood pressure, and depression of the heart rate and breathing.

Sources: Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations; http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h73.htm; http://www.herbalists.on.ca/resources/freeman/BERBERIS.html