- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe, North Africa and western Asia. Berberis vulgaris
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine
Europe · Herb · № 108
Berberis vulgaris
Herb · Europe
Barberry
Berberis vulgaris
Bark and root contain berberine, which is being studied for blood sugar and cholesterol. The berries are rich in vitamin C. Evidence for barberry itself is limited.
Safety notes
Do not use bark or root in pregnancy or in newborns. Berberine may interact with many medicines. The berries as food are safe.
Preparation
Dried berries in dishes; bark and root as decoction or tincture. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
In Iran dried barberries (zereshk) are a classic ingredient in rice dishes. Ody describes the bark as an old remedy for the liver and gallbladder. Farmers often uprooted the shrub because it spreads wheat rust.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Cooling, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter digestive stimulant.
Preparation and amount
Bark, root, berries.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionTincturePowder and kitchen