Barberry - Berberis vulgaris

The bark is harvested in the summer and can be dried for storing.

History
Native Americans made a bitter brew from the yellow root (or rhizome). Used in small doses, Barberry tonic was reputed to be an effective treatment for heartburn, stomach upset, and ulcers. It was also held to stimulate appetite.

Barberry has been used in European and American herbalism to treat many conditions, especially infections and stomach problems. It has also been used to treat skin conditions.

Active Constituents
Studies have determined that Barberry contains a number of physiologically active alkaloids, the most useful being 'Berberine', 'Berbamine', and 'Oxyacanthine'.

The bitter compounds in Barberry, including the alkaloids mentioned above, stimulate digestive function following meals.

Berberine can stimulate some immune system cells to function better, and has been found to exhibit some antibacterial activity, accounting for its traditional use as an antiseptic when applied to the skin. It can be used to treat diarrhoea caused by bacteria such as E. coli.

The flowers and the stembark are antirheumatic.

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