[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Berberis vulgaris (syn. B. aquifolium)
Other names: Oregon Grape, Barberry, Mahonia
(Similar to Berberis aristata- tree turmeric)
Family Berberidaceae
Botany
Parts used: Bark of root, stem, berries,
Shrub, with thorns, that grows edible berries. Although tart and acid to taste, they're used in making jam.
Native to Europe, Africa and Asia, but can be grown worldwide.
Taste
Nutrition
Barberries are highly nutritious. A 1/4 cup serving of dried barberries contains:
Calories: 89
Protein: 1 gram
Fat: 1 gram
Carbs: 18 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Vitamin C: 213% of recommended daily value (DV)
Iron: 15% of DV
Barberries also contain trace minerals that help prevent disease such as zinc, manganese, and copper.
Chemicals:
Berberine, an alkaloid antioxidant. Berberine reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels, slow the progression of certain cancer cells, fight infections, and have highly anti-inflammatory properties.
Anthocyanine, gives the berries their red pigment and aid in brain and health health.
Therapeutic actions
Alterative: restoring proper functioning to the body's metabolism
Analgesic: relieves or diminishes pain
Anti-bacterial: destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Anti-diabetic: control blood glucose levels in people with diabetes
Anti-emetic: reduces the incidence and severity of vomiting.
Antiseptic: destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria. Used topically.
Anti-inflammatory: alleviate inflammation throughout the body
Cholagogue: increases the secretion and flow of bile production into the duodenum
Choleretic: aids the excretion of bile by the liver, so that there is a greater flow of bile
Digestive Stimulant
Hypotensive: lowers blood pressure
Hypolipidemic: lower the lipid (fat/cholesterol) level of the blood
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness