Amazing Barberry Medicinal Uses

It is quite imperative to know that one of the primary barberry medicinal uses is to dilate the blood vessels, thereby keeping the blood pressure low.

However, barberry medicinal uses are quite enormous but I choose to make the above use as its primarily medicinal uses.

It is somewhat pleasant to meet this shrub (barberry) in mountainous regions with its hostile looking nature due to its spiked thorns. However, the fruits are exquisite.

In description, the thorny shrub belongs to the Berberidaceae family. The flowers grow in clusters with yellow, and oval purple or red berries.

The bark of the trunk and the root is yellow in color. They are used to dye wool and certain fabrics. Its scientific name is Berberis vulgaris.

The part of the shrub used for medicinal purposes are the roots and the berries.

Properties of Barberry

Apart from the berries, the whole plant contains active alkaloids which might be somewhat poisonous.

However, the root of the barberry shrub is the part of the plant with a higher amount of berberine.

Summarily, it has the following properties:

1. Hepatic properties
2. Stomachic properties
3. Tonic properties
4. Aromatic properties
5. Antiseptic properties

It affects the following:

1. Liver
2. Spleen
3. Blood
4. Digestive tract

The following are the properties of barberry plant.

1. Laxative: This property aids in easing constipation especially when linked with insufficient bile secretion.
2. Cholagogue and Digestive property: As it facilitates the emptying of bile, it reduces liver and the bile system congestion. This also aids in reducing bloated stomach which makes it act like a digestive tonic. Another one among barberry medicinal uses is that it increases appetite.
3. Diuretic: it is quite diuretic, although with mild effects. It can be prepared in the form of decoction of infusion with 40 grams of the roots bark per litre of water.
4. Circulatory invigorating: Traditionally, it has been used as a stimulant substance for febrile disease or exhaustion.

The berries contain glucose and levels, vitamin C, and malic and citric acids. Barberry in the form of juice or syrup are effective in thirst quenching and quite refreshing.

This above mentioned property (barberry juice and syrup are good in quenching the thirst of individuals with fever) helps in decreasing their temperature, stimulate and invigorates them.

Helpful Barberry Medicinal Uses

As it is, barberry is one the plants for the liver. One of the barberry medicinal uses is that the root’s of the shrub has positive effects on the gall bladder.

As it promotes the emptying of bile to the duodenum, facilitates the improvement of bloated stomach and bile-caused dyspepsia.

Again, on the barberry medicinal uses, the fruits which (barberries) are recommended for fever that resulted due to influenza or via other afflictions. As stated earlier, they reduce temperature and display enormous invigorating effects.

Here are some barberry medicinal uses

1. The root’s bark of the barberry plant contains an alkaloid which promotes bile secretion. This is one of the barberry medicinal uses that presents it quite outstanding for various liver conditions.
2. For sluggish liver conditions, barberry is an ideal and because of its bitterness, it is recommended you take it in small quantities.
3. An infusion is quite helpful for swollen spleen and chronic stomach ailments.
4. As stated in the beginning, barberry is good the blood as it dilates its vessels (blood vessels), thereby lowering the blood pressure.
5. Another one among the barberry medicinal uses is that it decreases the heart rate, decreases bronchial constriction and also slows breathing.
6. Barberry is used to destroy bacteria on the skin and also improves intestinal movements. A teaspoon of the root will facilitate the purging of the bowels.
7. When combined with lobelia, goldenseal and cayenne, it is specifically used in treating hepatitis and jaundice.
8. Externally, another barberry medicinal uses is that a decoction of the berries or the bark of the root make a good gargle for mouth and throat irritations.
9. It is also known to strengthen the gums and relieve pyrorrhea. This happens when the fresh juice of the fruit is used.

Preparation, Amount and Use

1. Infusion: ½ oz. To 1 pint water. Allow steeping for 10 minutes. Take 1 – 4 cups daily before meals.
2. Decoction: Using the bark of the root, simmer 10 minutes, take 1 teaspoon as needed.
3. Tincture: Take ½ – 1 teaspoon as needed
4. Fluid extract: Take ½ – 1 teaspoon as needed
5. Powder: Take 2 – 5 #0 capsules (15 – 30 grains) 3 times on a daily.
6. Jelly: They are also used in preparing jellies.
7. Syrup: Can be made with mashed fruits, strain and add twice its weight of sugar in order to avoid fermentation.

Caution ⚠️

It should not be taken during pregnancy. Due to its barberine content as similar to morphine, the root’s bark of this plant should never exceed the prescribed doses.

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Fidel Perez

A graduate of Computer Science and Information Management Technology. Diploma – Caregiving, Certificates – Dementia and Diabetes Awareness and Management. A researcher, blogger, songwriter, singer and acoustic guitarist. Born in an environment where natural talents such as healing are imparted at our natural birth. This natural talents of healing is the result of our genetic inheritance and the training from family environment.