Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L) Herbal Medicine
Barberry Health Benefits, Dosage, Side effects and Warnings.
Scientific Name: Berberis vulgaris L., B. aquifolium Pursh. Mahonia aquifolium Nutt.
Other names:
Barberry, Oregon grape, trailing mahonia, berberis,jaundice berry, woodsour, sowberry, pepperidge bush, sour-spine.
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a shrub in the family Berberidaceae, that is native to central and southern Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia.
Barberry grows in the wild but has gained popularity in Europe and US as a garden plant, commonly used as hedge or plant fence due to its thorny, wiry branches. Barberry has long been used in herbal medicine since the Middle ages, used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders.
Barberry shrub grows to about 4 meters in height. Barberry leaves are of variety of shapes about 2 to 5 cm long, the primary leaves are three-forked spines, while secondary ones are oval, subtended by a three branched spine. Barberry flowers are bright yellow that bloom between April to June. The flowers are about 4–6 mm across, produced on 3–6 cm long panicles. Barberry bears red, edible fruits that are oblong in shape about 7–10 mm long and 3–5 mm in diameter. Barberry fruits are very sour that ripens in late summer or autumn. Barberry fruit is rich in vitamin C.