Mahonia aquifolium

Mahonia aquifolium
Family:Mahonia aquifolium; Alterative; Antibacterial; Antitumor; Blood tonic; Cholagogue; Diuretic; Laxative; Ophthalmic; Tonic.
Common name:Oregon grape
Oregon grape was often used by several native North American Indian tribes to treat loss of appetite and debility. Its current herbal use is mainly in the treatment of gastritis and general digestive weakness to stimulate the kidney and gallbladder function and to reduce catarrhal problems. The root and root bark is alterative blood tonic cholagogue diuretic laxative and tonic. It improves the digestion and absorption and is taken internally in the treatment of psoriasis syphilis haemorrhages stomach complaints and impure blood conditions. Externally it has been used as a gargle for sore throats and as a wash for blurry or bloodshot eyes. The roots are harvested in late autumn or early spring and dried for later use. The fruit is an excellent gentle and safe laxative. 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 04:23 []