Berberis vulgaris

Berberis vulgaris
Family:Berberis vulgaris; Antibacterial; Antipruritic; Antirheumatic; Antiseptic; Appetizer; Astringent; Cancer; Cholagogue; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Expectorant; Hepatic; Homeopathy; Laxative; Ophthalmic; Purgative; Refrigerant; Stomachic; Tonic.
Common name:Barberry
Barberries have long been used as a herbal remedy for the treatment of a variety of complaints. All parts of the plant can be used though the yellow root bark is the most concentrated source of active ingredients. The plant is mainly used nowadays as a tonic to the gallbladder to improve the flow of bile and ameliorate conditions such as gallbladder pain gallstones and jaundice. The bark and root bark are antiseptic astringent cholagogue hepatic purgative refrigerant stomachic and tonic. The bark is harvested in the summer and can be dried for storing. It is especially useful in cases of jaundice general debility and biliousness but should be used with caution. The flowers and the stem bark are antirheumatic. The roots are astringent and antiseptic. They have been pulverized in a little water and used to treat mouth ulcers. A tea of the roots and stems has been used to treat stomach ulcers. The root bark has also been used as a purgative and treatment for diarrhoea and is diaphoretic. A tincture of the root bark has been used in the treatment of rheumatism sciatica etc. The root bark is a rich source of the alkaloid berberine (about 6%). Berberine universally present in rhizomes of Berberis species has marked antibacterial effects. 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 and is also effective in the treatment of hypersensitive eyes inflamed lids and conjunctivitis. A tea made from the fruits is antipruritic antiseptic appetizer astringent diuretic expectorant and laxative. It is also used as a febrifuge. The fruit or freshly pressed juice is used in the treatment of liver and gall bladder problems kidney stones menstrual pains etc. The leaves are astringent and antiscorbutic. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of coughs. The plant (probably the inner bark) is used by homeopaths as a valuable remedy for kidney and liver insufficiency.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 01:42 []