What is Barberry? Barberry is a thorny dense bush with red leaves and bright red cherries. It is a deciduous shrub reaching about 5-6 feet in height. As it is a bush it tends to spread 4-5 meters wide. This herbs original habitat includes France, Turkey, Spain and the Barberry Coast. It is also widely found in the U.K. Use of Barberry
History has it that the Barberry was first discovered by Native Americans who made a bitter brew of the yellow roots of the plant. This herb was used in small doses to treat indigestion, heartburn, ulcers and stomach upset. The use of Barberry is widely used in Native European and American healing traditions. Research also shows that the herbal use of Barberry dates back to the period of the Ancient Egyptians when the rich and the mighty used it with fennel seed to ward off plague. Today, Barberry is used as a general health tonic to promote vigor and a sense of health and wellbeing. The active substance found in Barberry is called barberine alkaloids. This herbal substance has been proved to combat infection and bacteria, and stimulate the immune system. It is used to fight cold and fever. Barberry is also applied to ease inflammation. The herb fights infection in the urinary, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Indications of mucosal discharge including sinusitis, rhinitis (commonly known as nasal congestion), bronchitis and even tuberculosis can be reduced using Barberry extracts. Since the plant is also found to effectively combat fungal growth and infection, it is used in skin infections and for candid infections in the vagina. Certain skin infections like psoriasis also may be treated using Barberry though there is a need for further research in this area. Because of its strong anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, Barberry also makes good eyewash. People suffering from conjunctivitis or inflamed eyelids can benefit from the application of a compress containing Barberry. The roots and rhizomes of the plant are used because they have very high barberine content. In some cases, the leaves, berries and bark are also used. The bark and root bark of Barberry is antiseptic and an astringent. They are also hepatic, purgative, laxative, tonic and stomachic. The flowers and the bark are antirheumatic. Today all parts of the plant are used to form a general health tonic that improves the flow of bile and alleviates conditions like gallbladder pain, jaundice and gallstones. Barberry tincture is also recommended as an effective treatment for liver problems including hepatitis and jaundice. Barberry has also been found to be effective against diarrhea. Barberry Caution Barberry should however be taken with caution. Studies show that it may irritate the stomach and may not suit people with stomach ulcers. Although Barberry helps patients suffering from diarrhea, it is less useful when it comes to clearing the microorganisms in the stomach. Thus the disease will not be effectively treated. If Barberry is used to fight diarrhea, it should be used in combination with a standard antibiotic therapy. Growing Barberry Barberry bushes love sunlight and need lots of heat and direct sunlight. The plant does not need much moisture, and will not tolerate soils that are moist. It is a hardy plant because it can tolerate almost any kind of soil. The Barberry bush makes an excellent hedge or filler shrub.
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