Parts Most Frequently Used: Root, Rhizome, Root Bark, Leaf, Berry, Stem

Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Cool, Sour, Dry, Astringent

Caution: Considered safe but not recommended for long-term daily use or during pregnancy.

Key Constituents: Berberine, Alkaloids, Berbamine, Oxyberberine, Hydrastine, Vitamin C, Tannins, Resins

History/Folklore: The constituent berberine has received considerable attention and has been the source of many studies. It is this bitter chemical that puts Oregon grape at the top of the list for many herbalists. Berberine decreases bacterial resistance to antibiotics and aids longevity. It is known for reducing blood glucose levels, stopping infections, and moderating inflammation. Berberine alkaloids act on cell DNA to prevent amoebas from taking hold in the body. Berberine is what gives Oregon grape roots their yellowish color. It is found throughout the plant, from the flowers to the roots. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, plants containing berberine are often used to treat what are called Damp Heat conditions.

Another constituent in Oregon grape is berbamine, which helps strengthen bone marrow and aids the recovery from chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It is a calcium channel blocker that inhibits cancer cell growth. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used various plants containing this constituent for centuries to treat inflammation-caused conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Mahonia Bealei and Mahonia Nutall are also in the family Berberidaceae. They have a long history of use in TCM where the roots, stems, and leaves have all been used to treat a variety of ailments, including tuberculosis, periodontitis, dysentery, eczema, and to help heal wounds. It is also used to improve blood circulation, relieve coughs, ease pain, clear toxins, and eliminate Dampness.

Oregon grape is a classic bitter herb. Bitter herbs are known for their ability to detoxify and support the secretion of bile from the liver and gallbladder, which aids digestion, especially fats.

Native Americans used a decoction of the root to treat loss of appetite and debility. They also used it to treat tuberculosis, rheumatism, and jaundice. They also used the root to make a yellow dye for baskets and clothing. The berries were also used to make jelly.

In the Southwest, Spanish colonials used the species M. fremontii, calling it “Palo Amarillo” or “Fremont’s barberry.” They used it to treat fevers, hepatitis, and malaria.

Oregon grape is excellent for treating wounds by keeping the area free from infection and swelling. The plant’s antimicrobial properties also make it a wonderful herb for treating lung and sinus infections.

The herb was used as a cure against syphilis. Many physicians felt it worked best if the condition had become chronic.

Traditionally, the herb is prepared by either using the roots to make teas or tinctures. Used externally, Oregon grape helps fight psoriasis.

In China, the herb Coptis (Coptis chinensis) is often substituted for Oregon grape. Seventeen different varieties of Berberis plants are used, all containing the constituent berberine. They are primarily used to treat intestinal infections, to stimulate the uterus, and treat congested lungs.

The herb Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), also known as Berberry, Pipperidge, Jaundice Berry, or Sow Berry, is a member of the same Berberidaceae family as Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium or Mahonia aquifolium). Still, it is in fact a different plant. Barberry is a thorny, deciduous shrub that can grow to be ten feet tall with leathery leaves, yellow flowers, and red berries. These two plant species are often used interchangeably, though Oregon grape is considered the stronger and more restorative of the two species. It is also more focused on the liver than barberry.

Closely related to the herb barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Oregon grape (Berberis nervosa) adapts more easily to its environment, making it easier to grow in your garden.

Oregon grape is used as a flower essence to help overcome mistrust and paranoia of early childhood experiences that caused mistrust or left a person feeling starved for attention.