Click
on a letter to see pictures and individual herb information with folklore
usages.
Family:
Berberidaceae
---Synonyms---European
barberry, jaundice berry, pepperidge, pepperidge bush, sowberry, Barberry,
berberis, Daruharidra, Daruhaldi, Kingor, Barberry
---Part Used---Bark of
root or stem. Gather the root in spring or fall. Use only ripe berries.
---Medicinal Action and Uses---Cholagogue,
hepatic, anti-emetic, bitter, laxative.
Diuretic, antibilious, refrigerant, stomachic, bitter tonic, antiperiodic,
alterative, antipyretic
Used for the treatment as an
antibiotic, immune stimulant, for treating pinkeye, high blood pressure.
One study showed that the
herb may shrink some tumors. Another study shoed that it has
anti-inflammatory properties, useful for treating arthritis. More work is
needed in this case.
Indications : Barberry
is one of the best remedies for correcting liver function and promoting the
flow of bile. It is indicated when there is an inflammation of the
gall-bladder or in the presence of gall stones. When jaundice occurs due to
a congested state of the liver, Barberry is also indicated. As a bitter
tonic with mild laxative effects, it is used with weak or debilitated people
to strengthen and cleanse the system The herb is believed to have the
ability to reduce an enlarged spleen. It acts against malaria.
Herbalists recommend barberry
as a stimulating tonic hepatic: influences the mucosa generally, removing
mucoid accumulations and controlling excess secretion. Improves appetite,
digestion and assimilation. Indicated for gouty constitutions.
B
arberry
much like Hydrastis and could be employed for many of the uses of that
scarce and high-priced drug. Barberry tends to dilate the blood vessels,
thereby lowering blood pressure. A teaspoon of the root will purge the
bowels, or use an infusion of the berries with wine for the same purpose. A
decoction of either berries or root bark makes a good mouthwash or gargle
for mouth and throat irritations. The fresh juice of the fruit is also said
to strengthen the gums and relieve pyorrhea when brushed on or applied
directly to the gums.
Ayurvedic Applications
For bile and urinary conditions, Pitta detoxification, and congestion of
abdomen and pelvic cavities; rheumatism, scarlet fever, brain disorders,
heat, thirst, nausea; small amounts- tonic; large doses-purgative; excellent
herb for jaundice, during pregnancy, mild laxative, periodic neuralgia,
fevers, skin diseases, vomiting in pregnancy; fruit-mild laxative/purgative
for children, fevers, blood purifier, malaria, gastric and duodenal ulcers;
sores, jaundice, enlarged liver and spleen, and regulates liver functioning,
diabetes, and toxins/ama (with twice as much turmeric); destroys toxins,
reduces body fat (with turmeric); renal calculi, abdominal and pelvic
congestion; G.I. stimulant, reduces blood pressure.