Berberis aquifolium

Berberis aquifolium [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.plantsystematics.org/imgs/kcn2/r/Berberidaceae_Berberis_aquifolium_1756.html

Common name: 
Oregon Mountain grape
(Hoffman, 1983, 210). 

Latin binomial:
Berberis aquifolium
(Hoffman, 1983, 210).  

Family: 
Berberidaceae
(Hoffman, 1983, 210).

Parts used:
Rhizome and root
(Hoffman, 1983, 210). 

Active constituents:

• Alkaloids including berbine
• Oxyacanthine
• Berbamine

(Hoffman, 1983, 210).   

Actions:

• Alterative
• Cholagogoue
• Laxative
• Anti-emetic
• Anti- catarrhal
• Tonic

(Hoffman, 1983, 210). 

Indications:

• Chronic and scaly skin conditions such as psorisis and ezcema
• Stomach and gallbladder problems, especially where there is nausea and vomiting
• As a laxative it can be used in chronic constipation

(Hoffman, 1983, 210). 

Contraindications:

• Avoid with known allergy/hypersensitivity to Oregon grape, its constituents, or members of the Berberidaceae family.
• Not recommended in pregnancy and lactation due to lack of sufficient data.

 (Natural Standard, Berberis aquifolium, 2013)

Cautions:

• Use caution when taking by mouth for over two weeks. 
• Avoid high doses of Oregon grape, as Berberis species, such as Berberis vulgaris, have been identified as poisonous plants.
• Avoid in those with liver disease and in jaundiced neonates, due to interference with normal bilirubin metabolism in animals and in laboratory research.

 (Natural Standard, Berberis aquifolium, 2013)

Dosage:
Decotion: 1-2 Teaspoons of the root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes, drink 3 times daily
Tincture: 1-4ml, drink 3 times daily.
(Hoffman, 1983, 210).

Combinations: 
For skin problems it can be combined with Burdock root, Yellow dock and Cleavers. For gallbladder problems it can be used with Black root and Fringe tree bark (Hoffman, 1983, 210). 

References:

Berberis aquifolium, (2013). Natural Standard professional monograph.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.