Oregon Grape

(Mahonia aquifolium)

PARTS USED

Root

PROPERTIES

Blood purifying, tonifying (liver), laxative, antiseptic.

ENERGY

Cooling. Reduces excess Fire, reduces excess Water, regulates and stabilizes Air.

CAUTION

Avoid prolonged concentrated use during first trimester of pregnancy. Safe for occasional tea, culinary and short-term uses.

Many gardens in Britain display this North American import, known as the holly-leaved barberry, without their owners appreciating its outstanding qualities as a liver cleanser and tonifier, blood purifier, laxative and bowel cleanser. Its Eurasian cousin, the common barberry (Berberis vulgaris), a shrub found in hedgerows and waysides, is used similarly, though its action is milder. The berries were once commonly eaten and prepared as condiments.

The bitter taste stimulates gastric juices, improving the digestion and assimilation of food, and purges and liver. Oregon grape and barberry are used for cases of hepatitis, jaundice, constipation, diabetes and arthritis. Another use is in problems due to congestion of vital energy, such as moodiness or irritability as for example in pre-menstrual tension or depression. it may be combined with turmeric for this purpose.