Sick To Your Stomach?

Barberry Root

The medicinal uses of this beautiful plant dates back almost as long as well...as long as we have been eating. In modern day, Barberry is widely known for its use in landscaping and enhancing the backyard and garden. Red, orange and yellow flowered varieties, foliage that brightens to an orange-red hue in the fall, and growing up to 9 feet height, it is quite often utilized as an extremely effective barrier hedge…

Barberry is a dense, thorny plant and creates an almost impenetrable barrier. Tall, evergreen varieties, such as the Magellan barberry (Berberis buxifolia) and Darwin barberry (Berberis darwinii), work well for this usage and remain attractive throughout the year. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/landscape-barberry-plants-47479.html

An added benefit of using it as a backyard barrier is that the berries attract our fine feathered friends, but not the bigger, more destructive critters…

Place barberry plants in areas where critters are a concern. Although birds are attracted to the plants' berries, deer, rabbits and most other animals leave them alone, making barberry shrubs a good choice for areas where your garden looks like a buffet. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/landscape-barberry-plants-47479.html

Better Homes & Garden sums it up nicely…

Barberry paints the landscape with arching, fine-textured branches of purple-red or chartreuse foliage. In fall, leaves brighten to reddish orange and spikes of red berries appear like sparklers as the foliage drops. The mounding habit of barberries makes for graceful hedging and barriers, and the thorns protect privacy. http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/shrub/barberry/

However, the medicinal potentials of this plant dating back more than 2,500 years can be even more beautiful and beneficial!

The fruit, bark, and roots are used to make medicine. The fruit of European barberry is used for kidney, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract discomforts such as heartburn, stomach cramps, constipation, lack of appetite, liver and spleen disease; for bronchial and lung discomforts; for spasms; to increase circulation; to boost the immune system; and as a supplemental source of vitamin C. The bark, root, and root bark are also used for disorders of the GI tract, liver, gallbladder, kidney and urinary tract, respiratory tract, and heart and circulatory system; to reduce fever; as a "blood purifier;" and for narcotic withdrawal. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-433-european%20barberry.aspx?activeingredientid=433&activeingredientname=european%20barberry

It has been used in Indian folk medicine to treat diarrhea, reduce fever, improve appetite, relieve upset stomach, and promote vigor as well as a sense of well being. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/barberry#ixzz3f8I2Swfu

The active ingredients in barberry are thought to be the isoquinolone alkaloids, particularly berberine. These alkaloids are found in the root, rhizome and stem bark of the barberry plant. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/barberry.htm

As always, you should always consult with your physician for any and all ailments as well as how to best treat them.

For close to 3,000 years Barberry has been utilized for treating a vast array of conditions, ailments and as a preventative dietary supplement. If you find yourself sick to your stomach and ready to try some Barberry, we are proud to offer a superior Barberry Bark tincture as well as the entire Natural Hope Herbals product line.

Natural Hope Herbals are all handmade in small batches and packaged and labeled in a professional facility. Traditional extraction method called maceration, which means soaking the herb, in the extracting liquid, known as the menstruum, for a number of weeks is utilized. Processes based on traditional knowledge and scientific research, are used to ensure Natural Hope Herbals products contain a broad spectrum of the herbs natural goodness. Natural Hope uses specific processes and menstruums to best extract the properties of each unique herb.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

All research information is provided for educational purposes only and as a courtesy to our customers and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals. ALWAYS consult with a physician regarding any health-related questions and/or concerns!