People walking in mountainous, dry places find the barberry plant, a shrub, somewhat hostile in appearance because of its spiked thorns; however, it is an enjoyable experience thanks to its exquisite fruit. Until mid-fall, walkers can enjoy this refreshing, natural gift. I have eaten plenty of berberries myself. Even though barberries would have never been expected to be so pleasant due to their size, they have an excellent flavor, somewhere between sweet and sour. Many birds and animals make an appreciated dessert dish of them.
- ➕ Packed with Antioxidants – Barberry is natural source of antioxidants which is essential for overall wellness.* And, our Barberry Extract, in powdered extract form, provides this essential nutrients per serving. Add our Barberry Extract powder for a daily dose antioxidants!*
Barberry Plant Scientific Facts
- Other names: European barberry, jaundice berry, pepperidge, pepperidge bush, sowberry.
- French: Epine-vinette.
- Spanish: Agracejo.
- Environment: Warm, mountainous regions in Europe and America, mainly dry, rocky soils.
- Description: This is a thorny shrub of the Berberidaceae family, whose species present groups of three or five thorns on each knot. It has yellow flowers and oval, little, red, or purple berries growing in clusters. The bark of the trunk and the root is yellowish and has been used to dye wool and other fabrics.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The bark of the root and the berries.
Healing Properties and Warning
The entire plant except the berries contains very active alkaloids, which can be poisonous. The most outstanding among them is berberine, chemically similar to morphine and, according to Font Quer, suitable for de-habituating in treating morphine addiction.
The root’s bark of the barberry is the part of the plant with a higher content of berberine. It has the following properties:
- Cholagogue and digestive. It promotes the emptying of bile, reducing the congestion of the liver and the bile system, thus reducing a bloated stomach. It also acts as a digestive tonic, increasing appetite.
- Laxative. It eases constipation when the latter is caused by insufficient bile secretion.
- Heart and circulatory invigorating. It has been traditionally used as a stimulant substance for exhaustion or febrile diseases.
- Diuretic and febrifuge, although with mild effects.
Barberry fruits (berries) contain glucose, levulose, vitamin C, and citric and malic acids. Both fresh, in the form of juice or syrup, barberries are effective in refreshing and thirst-quenching. They have a mild laxative effect. Barberry juice and syrup are ideal for quenching people’s thirst with fever since they decrease their temperature, invigorate, and stimulate them.
Barberries should be gathered in the late summer or fall. They can be used freely, as they contain no alkaloids.
WARNING! Avoid during pregnancy. The root bark of the barberry plant must be carefully used, never exceeding the prescribed doses, due to its content in berberine, an alkaloid similar to morphine.
Barberry root bark contains an alkaloid that stimulates bile secretion, making it an excellent remedy for various liver conditions. The barberry plant is mainly used for all passive liver issues, and because it is bitter, it is best utilized in small quantities. Infusions with this plant are an excellent remedy for chronic stomach problems and a swollen spleen when consumed in tablespoon amounts several times daily, primarily before meals.
The barberry plant is also known to dilate the blood vessels, which makes it highly useful for those with high blood pressure. It can decrease heart rate, slow breathing, and reduce bronchial constriction. The herb can stimulate intestinal movement and destroy bacteria on the skin. A teaspoon of barberry root bark can purge the bowels.
Combined with lobelia, cayenne, and goldenseal, it is an excellent remedy for hepatitis and jaundice. A decoction of either bark or berries makes a fantastic gargle or mouthwash for throat and mouth irritations. Fresh juice made from the fruit can relieve pyorrhea and strengthen the gums when applied or brushed.
How to use Barberry
- Infusion or decoction
- The syrup is made with mashed fruits, then strained and added twice its weight of sugar to avoid fermentation. The syrup obtained can create a quenching drink all year round.
- Jelly. Barberries are also used to prepare delicious jellies.
Infusion: ½ ounces to one pint of water. Steep for ten minutes. Take one to four cups a day before meals. Decoction (root bark): Simmer for ten minutes. Take one tablespoon as needed. Tincture: Add ½ to one teaspoon as needed. Fluid extract: Add ½ to one teaspoon as needed. Powder: Take two to five #0 capsules (15 to 30 grains) daily.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the main active compound in the barberry plant, and how does it work?
Barberry’s primary active compound is berberine, an alkaloid. Berberine acts as a potent antioxidant and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. It influences various cellular pathways, including blood sugar regulation and immune response.
How does the barberry plant support blood sugar control?
Berberine enhances insulin sensitivity, facilitating more effective glucose utilization by cells. Some studies suggest that its blood sugar-lowering effects may be comparable to metformin medication.
Can the barberry plant influence cardiovascular health?
Yes, preliminary research suggests barberry’s impact on several cardiovascular health markers:
May lower cholesterol levels
May help manage blood pressure
May lower the risk of heart disease by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Are there digestive benefits associated with the barberry plant?
The plant has been used for various digestive complaints, including diarrhea. Berberine may act on smooth muscles in the gut, helping regulate digestion and potentially easing gastrointestinal pain.
Does the barberry plant support immune function?
It is believed to have antimicrobial properties, which could help fight bacterial and parasitic infections. It also potentially boosts the immune system.
Might barberry play a role in neurological health?
Limited studies suggest barberry’s potential in managing conditions like epilepsy and convulsions. This may be due to its effects on the nervous system.
Can barberry be used topically?
It is occasionally used topically to address skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis because of its putative anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities and internal applications.
Are there any potential side effects of barberry?
At typical doses, barberry is generally well-tolerated. However, possible side effects may include:
Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
Headaches
Lowered blood pressure
Are there drug interactions to be aware of with barberry?
Yes, always consult your doctor before using barberry, especially if you take the following:
Medications for diabetes (interaction with blood-sugar regulation)
Blood pressure medications (potential interaction)
Blood thinners
How is barberry typically consumed?
Barberry is available in several forms:
Dried berries
Extracts and supplements
Tea
Topical preparations
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 384, 385. Print. [barberry plant]
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 143, 144.
- Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/barberries
- Verywell Health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/barberry-berberis-vulgaris-what-you-need-to-know-89546
- Mount Sinai: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/barberry
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/health-benefits-of-barberries
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API