Barberry Medicine
Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
Barberry (Berberis spp) is a medicine I truly feel all of us should know. This ubiquitous shrub is abundant, pervasive, and rich in a very special alkaloid extensively studied to have a whole host of antimicrobial properties, Berberine. This alkaloid gives Barberry its distinctive yellow roots and inner bark and is the same alkaloid that makes the famous Goldenseal so antimicrobial and gives it its golden-yellow color as well. But importantly Barberry, unlike Goldenseal, is not at-risk and or endangered like Goldenseal is, making it a wonderful analog species in many situations. Whenever possible we should work with abundant, weedy, “invasive” plants and Barberry truly fits the bill in this regard. This is one of the tenets in my mind of bioregional herbalism: working with the abundant medicine of place.
Read on for a full materia medica on Barberry! Learn to identify the two species commonly found throughout the northeast and beyond, its medicinal use, harvest, how to best capture its medicine, and more. I’ve got a Barberry Wound Wash and Throat Spray recipe for you too. Enjoy!
Barberry Materia Medica
Latin name: Common Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Berberis spp
Family: Berberidaceae
Other Names: Jaundice Berry, Pepperidge Bush, Berberry
Part Used: Stem Bark, Root Bark, Root, Stem, Berry. The active constituent, berberine, is the most concentrated in the root bark first and then the stem bark, however the stem is much easier to harvest. Traditionally the stem bark and root bark were the parts used but nowadays herbal companies sell the root. Some accounts say the whole root was sometimes employed in Europe. The presence of berberine is indicated by the yellow color in the inner stem bark, root bark, and root and the more yellow a tincture is, the more berberine it contains.
Habitat: Roadsides, woods and woodland edges, fields, farms, bike paths, yards, parks, abandoned areas and lots
Cultivation: No need to cultivate this one as it is extremely abundant. Japanese Barberry is widely planted as a landscape plant and is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions. Needs full sun to part shade. Because of Wheat Rust Fungus (see more in “herbal ecology” section below), it’s illegal to cultivate B. vulgaris in Canada, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Hampshire.
Description: Common and Japanese Barberry look very similar and the main defining difference is the number of spines- Common Barberry has 3 spines and Japanese Barberry has one. Both are medium-sized, deciduous shrub with small oval leaves .75-2 inches in length that arise in clusters of 2-5 leaves. The clusters are subtended by slender thorns that look like needles, rather than being curved like Rose. The inner cambium bark of the stem and root bark is a distinctive yellow, as are the roots. Bears flowers in beautifully cascading panicles in late spring, which give rise to clusters of small red, oblong-shaped, berries in late summer and fall. B.vulgaris- The flowers are yellow and grow on 3-6 cm long panicles, and it has 3 spines that grow alongside the leaf clusters. B. thunbergii- Has pale yellow flowers that grow on drooping umbels and has just one spine arising from the main stem alongside the leaf clusters.
Herbal Ecology: There are many different species of Berberis in the world, including some native to the U.S., but B. vulgaris and B. thunbergii are the most widespread, particularly in the eastern U.S, the Midwest, and parts of the Rockies and Pacific Northwest. Common Barberry (B.vulgaris) was originally native to western Asia and is now found throughout all of Europe, the British Isles, Northern Africa & SWANA region, temperate Asia, southern Canada, and most of the U.S. It was brought here by colonists in the mid 1600’s for food, medicine and to create hedgerows, and quickly escaped cultivation. By the 1800’s there was a widespread effort to eradicate it since it had long been linked to wheat crop failures, and it was finally proven to be a host for wheat rust fungus (Puccinia graminis). Japanese Barberry (B. thunbergia) was first introduced to America in 1875 and was promoted as a replacement for Common Barberry, since it doesn’t carry the rust fungus. Both species provide year-round medicine in both their bark, root, and fruit and provide winter forage for wildlife through the winter. According to a study, it seems as though Japanese Barberry may be associated with a higher number of ticks in an area. Both species are on the Invasive Plant Lists in many states. Care must be taken to be sure you’re not accidentally harvesting the endangered, native Barberry (B. candensis), which ranges from the Appalachian Mtns in Pennsylvania, south to Alabama, and west to Missouri.
Collection:
BARK & STEM- Spring and Fall are the best, but anytime if you need the medicine. Warning- you may want to bring gloves to avoid the spines
LEAVES- Anytime, but I tend to harvest them in the fall when I’m harvesting twigs and/or roots
BERRIES- Late Summer through the Winter.
ROOT BARK & ROOT- Spring and Fall are the best, but anytime if you need the medicine. The roots are notoriously difficult to dig.
Taste:
BARK + ROOT- Bitter
BERRIES- Sweet, Sour, slightly Bitter
LEAVES- Sour, slightly Bitter
Energetics: Cold, Dry
Fall harvest of Japanese Barberry twigs with the leaves to tincture
Constituents:
ROOT & STEM BARK- Berberine alkaloid, oxycanthine, columbamine, B-vitamin thiamine, the carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, chromium, cobalt, and zinc.
BERRIES- vitamin C, pectin
LEAVES- 5′-methoxyhydnocarpin
Fall harvest of Japanese Barberry twigs with the leaves to tincture
Herbal Actions:
ROOT & STEM BARK- Anti-inflammatory, alterative/blood-purifier, antimicrobial, anti-diarrheal, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-septic, cholagogue (stimulates bile flow), digestive bitter, emmenagogue, febrifuge, laxative, mucous membrane tonic, purgative (laxative)
BERRIES- Refrigerant/Febrifuge, Food as Medicine
LEAVES- Synergist
Medicinal Uses:
NOTE: Most of the historical use we have of Barberry is working with Common Barberry (B. vulgaris), however, with the introduction of Japanese Barberry (B. thunbergii) many bioregional herbalists have been working with this species as well as Common Barberry (myself included) and found the medicine similar. This monograph refers to both species. ROOT & STEM BARK- Bitter tonic that stimulates the liver and gall bladder. Useful for a sluggish liver- promoting the flow and discharge of bile into the small intestine. Stimulates elimination and works as a laxative as well. Useful for all liver disease, including hepatitis, sluggish liver, jaundice, and gallbladder conditions (including gallstones and cholecystitis). For the liver, combines well with dandelion root and bit of fennel seed. More of a liver stimulant than nourishing tonic, however the Eclectics used it as a tonic. Formerly used by the Eclectics for dyspepsia, a catch-all term for indigestion that can manifest as a gnawing or burning stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and burping. For indigestion I would always combine it with a carminative herb such as Ginger and Fennel. Useful for issues of the mucous membranes (berberine has an affinity for the mucosal layer), especially when there is abnormal discharge, such as catarrh, phlegm, leukorrhea and spermatorrhea. Formerly used often in eye washes. Makes a wonderful gargle, mouthwash (especially for canker sores), and throat spray. Nice alterative that can be taken in the spring months as a blood-purifier to wake-up the body and move-out accumulated metabolic waste and stagnation from the winter. Strong antibacterial (due to the berberine) that can be used both internally and topically but must touch the site of infection to exert its anti-bacterial effects. Use as a wash of the decoction or diluted tincture for this, or the dried powdered root or twigs. History of treating cholera and dysentery (NOTE- both these conditions affect the digestive tract, where the berberine can reach), and chronic diarrhea. Will be beneficial for any topical infection and any gastrointestinal infection. The leaves are synergistic with the roots and the twigs. Research shows that the leaves of Berberis spp contain a constituent, 5′-methoxyhydnocarpin, which enhances the antimicrobial action of berberine by disabling the efflux pump of many bacteria, making it especially useful for antibiotic resistant bacteria. Upon learning this I’ve begun incorporating Barberry leaves into my medicine as much as possible, along with the twigs and/or roots, depending on what I’m using, especially when I’m going for its antimicrobial action. Research also shows that full-spectrum extracts of Barberry root are more antimicrobial than pure berberine extracts, even without the leaves included. Overall, an amazing plant teacher for us about the power of herbal synergy and full-spectrum plant medicine. Febrifuge used especially for intermittent fevers (has been used to treat malaria, combined with Yarrow). Anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. Over-all a very cooling remedy that drains heat readily from the body.
BERRIES- These edible berries are high in vitamin C. Traditionally made into jam and very rich in pectin. The Eclectic Physicians used the berries for dysentery, diarrhea, and cholera in infants. Herbalist Michael Moore suggests using a tea of the berries to treat fevers, a laxative, and inflamed gums.
Preparation: Tincture (1:2, 50% alcohol); decoction; powder (capsules); wash
Dosage: ½-1 tsp tincture/day; 1-2 grams of powder 3x/day; ½-1 cup decoction 3x/day. Can increase these dosages in acute conditions.
Contraindications: Not for use in pregnancy
More: Common Barberry (B. vulgaris) is the species historically worked with medicinally by the Eclectics, however in working with Japanese Barberry (B. thunbergii), I’ve found it to be similarly effective and clearly quite rich in Berberine and many bioregional herbalists agree it can be used interchangeably.
Common Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Barberry is in the same family as Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia spp) and is a great bioregional analog for this plant. It also makes a good analog for Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Goldthread (Coptis trifolia), and other berberine-containing herbs. Additionally, Goldenseal is considered endangered in the wild (and is federally listed as so in some states) and should only be used if cultivated and Goldthread is on the United Plant Savers “At-Risk” list, making Barberry a great choice not only because of the shared chemistry but also because of its abundance.
Barberry is said to have been used in ancient Egyptian medicine to prevent the plague, combined with Fennel seed.
The berries are a food in much of the world (all are edible but species have different levels of deliciousness) and are often used to make jam (traditional in Europe) and for seasoning. Zereshk or sereshk is the Persian name for the dried fruit of Berberis spp., especially that of Berberis integerrima (translates as “seedless barberry”), which is cultivated extensively in Iran, usually grown with saffron. The province of South Khorasan in Iran is the leading cultivator of Zereshk in the world. It’s widely used in cooking, especially in rice in a dish called zerešk polo. In Chinese Medicine the species used is Berberis chengii (Xiao bo) and it’s associated with the Chinese Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Gallbladder, and Heart. In Ayurveda the species used is Berberis aristata (Himalayan Barberry) and it goes by the names Daarvi or Daaruharidraa.
From A Modern Herbal:
“The Barberry used to be cultivated for the sake of the fruit, which was pickled and used for garnishing dishes. The ripe berries can be made into an agreeable, refreshing jelly by boiling them with an equal weight of fine sugar to a proper consistence and then straining it. They were formerly used as a sweetmeat, and in sugar-plums, or comfits. It is from these berries that the delicious confitures d'epine vinette, for which Rouen is famous, are commonly prepared.
The roots boiled in Iye, will dye wool yellow, and in Poland they dye leather of a beautiful yellow colour with the bark of the root. The inner bark of the stems will also dye linen of a fine yellow, with the assistance of alum.
Provincially, the plant is also termed Pipperidge Bush, from 'pepon,' a pip, and 'rouge,' red, as descriptive of the scarlet, juiceless fruit.
Berberis is the Arabic name of the fruit, signifying a shell, and many authors believe the name is derived from this word, because the leaves are glossy, like the inside of an oyster-shell.”
RECIPES
Barberry Mouthwash/Eyewash/Topical Wash
This can be made in a few different ways:
1) Dilute the tincture in water. Use 1 tsp tincture per ¼ cup water
2) Use the undiluted decoction. To make: Use 1 tbsp dried barberry Root, Stem, Root Bark, or Stem Bark (can use the leaves too for a synergistic effect) per 1 cup Water. Combine cold water and the herb in a pan on the stove. Cover. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, covered. Strain. Will last 4-5 days refrigerated.
Use:
This wash can be used as a mouthwash, eyewash, or also applied topically as an anti-septic or to treat active bacterial infections. For an eyewash, the diluted tincture can burn and if that’s the case reduce the amount of tincture added to the water or use the decoction. As a mouthwash it combines well with Echinacea, Myrrh, and Garden Sage. As an anti-bacterial topical wash combines well with Japanese Knotweed, Echinacea, Myrrh, Rosemary, Calendula, Plantain, Lavender, and Rose
Japanese Barberry twig. Note the yellow inner bark, indicative of the presence of Berberine
Barberry Throat Spray
Ingredients:
Barberry Root, Stem, Root Bark, or Stem Bark (can also add some leaves for their synergistic effect)- 2 parts
Echinacea Rt- 1 part
Sage- 1 part
Calendula- ½ part
Licorice- ½ part
Vodka (or similar alcohol in the 40-50% range)
Raw Honey (needs to be raw)
Directions:
You can make this recipe above in two ways:
1) Combine tinctures of the above herbs at the ratios above, making 1 part equal whatever you want depending on how much you need (i.e. 1 tbsp, 2 tbsp, ¼ cup, etc). Next pour the tincture blend into a glass spray bottle and add ¼ part raw honey for every 1 part of combined tinctures you have. For example, if you have 4 fluid ounces of tincture add 1 fluid ounce raw honey. If your honey is crystallized that’s ok, it dissolves in the alcohol fairly quickly. Shake well and use as needed. This preparation is shelf-stable and does not need to be refrigerated.
2) You can make a tincture of these herbs above using the ratios given in the recipe. Make the same way you would any tincture in the folk tradition. Make 1 part whatever you want, depending on how much you need (i.e. 1 tbsp, 2 tbsp, ¼ cup, etc). Put the combined herbs in a glass jar and cover them with twice the amount of alcohol as herbs, by volume. For example, if you have ½ cup total of herbs add 1 cup alcohol. Let steep 1 month, shaking daily. Strain. Add raw honey to the finished product at a ratio of ¼ part honey for every part of tincture. For example, if you have 4 fluid ounces of your finished tincture, add 1 fluid ounce of raw honey to the tincture blend. Put into a glass spray bottle and use as needed. This preparation is shelf-stable and does not need to be refrigerated.
References & Resources
Synergy in Herbal Medicines
Journal of Restorative Medicine, Volume 4, Number 1, 12 January 2015, pp. 60-73(14); December 1, 2015
By Eric Yarnell
Synergy in a medicinal plant: Antimicrobial action of berberine potentiated by 5′-methoxyhydnocarpin, a multidrug pump inhibitor
Journal of Applied Biological Sciences, February 4, 2000
By Frank R Stermitz, Peter Lorenz, Jeanne N Tawara, Lauren A Zenewicz, and Kim Lewis
Invasive Plant Medicine” The Ecological Benefits & Healing Abilities of Invasives
By Timothy Lee Scott
Materia Medica of Synergistic Herbs
Presented by Juliette Abigail Carr, APRN, RH (AHG) at the 2022 American Herbalist Guild Symposium
Canon of Medicine
By Avicenna (also known as Ibn Sina)
King’s American Dispensary
By Felter & Lloyd
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West
By Michael Moore
The Modern Herbal Dispensary & Medicine-Making Guide
By Thomas Easley
A Modern Herbal
By Maude Grieves
