Health Tips

Barberry Shrub:-




Alternative Names:-


Berberis vulgaris, Berberis



Introduction:-
Medicinal use of barberry dates back over 2500 years, and it is used in Indian folk medicine to treat diarrhea, reduce fever, appetite, relieve upset stomach, and promote strength and a sense of wellbeing. Today it is widely used for medicinal purposes in Iran, including for biliary disorders (such as gallbladder disease) and heartburn.
Barberry and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) are often used for similar medicinal purposes because both herbs contain the chemical berberine. Berberine has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria in test tubes, and the functioning of the immune system can better help. The aqueous extract of barberry has beneficial effects on both cardiovascular and neural system. As such it could be useful in the treatment of hypertension, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), and some neuronal disorders, including epilepsy and convulsions.

Infection and skin disorders :-
Barberry is used to ease inflammation and infection of the urinary tract (bladder and urinary tract infections), gastrointestinal and respiratory tract (sore throat, nasal congestion, sinusitis, bronchitis) and candida (yeast) infections of the skin or the vagina. Barberry extract may also be the symptoms of certain skin conditions including psoriasis, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Diarrhea :-
Barberry is also an effective treatment for diarrhea (including diarrhea and travelers diarrhea caused by food poisoning). Some studies have suggested that barberry improves symptoms faster than antibiotics, perhaps because it astringent properties, but antibiotics may be more effective in killing bacteria in the intestines. Because of the serious consequences associated with bacterial diarrhea, where barberry is used to relieve symptoms, it is best to take the herb along with standard antibiotic therapy.

Plant Description: -
Barberry is a shrub with gray, thorny branches that can grow to about 9 meter high. Bright yellow flowers bloom between April and June and become dark, drooping bunches of red berries in autumn. The root, bark, and berries are used for medicinal purposes.

What is it made of?:
The stem, root bark and fruit of barberry contain alkaloids, the most prominent of which is berberine. Laboratory studies in test tubes and animals suggest that berberine has antimicrobial (killing bacteria and parasites), anti-inflammatory, hypotension (allowing a reduction in blood pressure), sedative and anticonvulsant effects. Berberine may also stimulate the immune system. It also works on the smooth muscles that line the intestines. This latter effect may help improve digestion and reduce gastro-intestinal pain.

Available forms: -
Barberry is available in capsules, liquid extracts, tinctures, and as a topical ointment. Dried roots of barberry can also be used in tea. Barberry extracts are standardized to contain 8 - 12% alkaloids (berberine).

How to Take It: -

• Pediatric :-
  There is not enough evidence for a dose for children to adopt. For this reason, barberry used in children only under supervision of a qualified health care provider.
  
• Adult :-

* Tea:- 2 to 4 grams of dried root steeped or 1 to 2 teaspoons of whole or crushed berrie steeped in 150 ml (about 2 / 3 of a cup) of boiling water 10 to 15 minutes 3 times a day

* Tincture: 3 to 6 ml (1 / 2 to 1 1 / 2 teaspoon 3 times daily)

* Dry extracts: 250 to 500 mg 3 times daily

* For the skin: 10% extract of barberry in ointment, applied to the skin 3 times daily
Barberry should not be taken for long time (morethan one weeks without the supervision of your doctor.

Precautions:-
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs may lead to side effects and can communicate with other herbs, supplements or medication. For these reasons you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.
People using normal and appropriate doses of barberry not generally report side effects. Cases of nosebleeds and vomiting have been reported with extremely high doses of this herb.
When infants can berberine (a constituent of Barberry) interfere with the functioning of the liver and jaundice may worsen.
Pregnant women should not take barberry because the contractions of the uterus can cause and lead to a miscarriage.

Possible interactions: -
It is not known for certain what drugs, herbs or supplements may react with inte barberry. It is possible that barberry may interact with the following:

• Antibiotics : -

Taking barberry with antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of antibiotics. Talk to your doctor before combining the two.

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) :-

Barberry may decrease the effectiveness of blood thinning medication. Do not take barberry if you take anticoagulants.

• Antihistamines :-

Barberry may increase the effects of antihistamines.

• Blood pressure medication :-

Barberry may increase the effects of these drugs. Do not take barberry if you take blood pressure medication.

• Celecoxib (Celebrex) :-

Barberry may interact with Celebrex. Talk to your doctor before combining the two.

• Diuretics (water pills) :-

Barberry may increase the effects of these drugs. Talk to your doctor before combing the two.
Medications for diabetes - Barberry may lower blood sugar, so the effects of these drugs increased. Do not take barberry if you take medication for diabetes.