Herb of the Week: Barberry

The information provided below is for reference only. It is not to be used as a medical manual or as any guide to treatment. These are merely meant to be a way to learn about herbs and their uses in history and today. Seek medical advice before using any herbs as they are often dangerous when used without guidance.


When I begin researching an herb I typically start in two places: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (by copy is from 1987) and the PDR for Herbal Medicines (Third Edition). So since I haven't actually referenced a written work since college, I'll point out what information I have gotten from which source the best I can)

This weeks herb is Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris)

Common names: Oregon Grape (Berberis Aquifolium) (a closely related American variety), Berberry, Pipperidge, Jaundice Berry, Sow Berry, Mountain Grape

(from Rodale, pages 20-21)

History: Throughout history barberry has been linked with its edible and medicinal uses. Ancient Egyptians took a barberry and fennel syrup to prevent plague. People of the Middle Ages in Europe took early medicines made of barberry as antiseptics. Native Americans have used the root bark to improve the appetite and to restore general body health.


Uses: Barberry is a multiuse plant. It has a long history of medicinal use, but it also can be used in cooking, and in natural dying of fabrics. Folk medicine uses barberry as an astringent and antibacterial- try blending crushed barberries in water and using it as a gargle for a sore throat. The root can also be used to help control diarrhea by making tea. You can harves the berries in autumn and use in cooking. The berries taste much like cranberries but are more citrus in flavor. They can be made into jellies, jams, and preserves. They can even be candied. The roots should be harvested in late summer or fall to be used ad dye and make a nice yellow color for wools and cottons. No mordent is required, but using alum mordent for wool will provide a lighter yellow.


Toxicity: Low doses have been found to be stimulating on the heart, high doses depress respiration, stimulate the bowel and uterus. Overdoses bring about a light stupor, nosebleeds, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney irritation. The treatment of poisonings is carried out symptomatically.


Ornamental: Barberry is easily trained and lends itself for use in hedges. There is a dwarf species of barberry as well as an evergreen variety. The evergreen varieties lend themselves to beautiful flowers, but often their berries are less attractive. Deciduous varieties typically have brighter berries and beautiful fall foliage in autumn.


PDF for Herbal Medicines (pages 63-64)

Effects: The root bark is a good source of vitamin C thus increasing the immune system, preventing scurvy, and increases immune system activity. With varying doses both positive and negative effects on the heart have been noted.

Unproven uses (fruit): Decoction or extract used for lung, spleen, and liver diseases. Jam or wine can relieve constipation and stimulate appetite. Alcoholic extracts for heartburn and stomach cramps, feverish colds, and diseases of the urinary tract.

Unproven uses (bark): Aid in withdrawal from drugs (such as morphine). Used for liver malfunctions, gallbladder disease, jaundice, indigestion, diarrhea, and urinary tract disorders.

Homeopathic Uses: kidney stones, gout, liver and gallbladder disorders and dry skin diseases.

Pharmaceutical Uses: a syrup for masking flavor

The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman 1991 (pages 59-61)

History: India's Ayurvedic healers prescribed it for dysentery. European herbalists in the Middle Ages also used it to treat jaundice. Traditional Russian healers recommended it for inflammations, high blood pressure, and abnormal uterine bleedings. Once introduced into North America, many Native American tribes used it to treat mouth ulcers, sore throat, wound infections, and intestinal complaints. By the 19th century, American Eclectic physicians prescribed it for jaundice, dysentery, eye infections, cholera, fever, and syphilis.

Safety Factor: Those with heart disease, or chronic respiratory problems should take this herb only with the knowledge and approval of their physicians. Pregnant women should not use barberry as it stimulates the uterus. It should not be used by women who are nursing, and barberry should not be given to children under the age of 2. Older children and people over 65 should start with a low strength preparation. Barberry should only be used in consultation with your doctor or trained herbalist. You should stop using barberry if your experience: stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness or faintness.