Berberidaceae Alterative Creeping Oregon grape

Berberidaceae Alterative Creeping Oregon grape
Family:Berberidaceae Alterative; Anaphrodisiac; Antibacterial; Antiseptic; Antitumor; Cholagogue; Depurative; Diuretic; Expectorant; Febrifuge; Laxative; Salve; Tonic.
Common name:Creeping Oregon grape
The root and root bark is alterative anaphrodisiac antiseptic cholagogue depurative diuretic expectorant febrifuge laxative and tonic. It improves the digestion and absorption and is taken internally in the treatment of coughs fevers psoriasis syphilis haemorrhages stomach complaints kidney problems and impure blood conditions. Externally it is used as an antiseptic and healing wash or poultice on wounds and rheumatic joints. The roots are harvested in late autumn or early spring and dried for later use.A poultice of the fresh berries has been applied to boils.Berberine universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species has marked antibacterial effects and is used as a bitter tonic. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections especially bacterial dysentery. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 01:40 []