Barberry Root Bark (Berberis vulgaris)
Barberry is an evergreen shrub native to Europe, Africa and Asia that produces edible berries from sweeping, thorny branches. This common thorny garden bush grows in gravel-based soil and sprouts clusters of yellow flowers from April to June. Bright red berries become ripe in August.
Barberry is also known by several other common names, including Pepperidge Bush, Wood Turmeric and European Barberry. The former combines the words pepon and rouge, which respectively mean “pip” and “red” and refer to the juicy, bright red berries of the plant.
The Barberry root is yellowish with stems growing up to 8 feet that turn from a reddish hue to a grayish color when mature. Barberry is harvested in spring or fall and the berries are collected in the fall. The leaves are green and leathery in texture.
The bark of the roots and stems are also consumed, either in capsules or prepared as tea.
In Europe, Barberry root is combined with alum or lye to produce varying shades of a yellow dye to tint cotton, wool and leather.
Used for thousands of years, Barberry was present in Ancient Egypt's civilization to prevent plagues.
Origin: Europe
Active Compounds: resin, tannin, chelidonic acid, alkaloids including berberine, berbamine, berberrubine, bervulcine, columbamine, isotetrandrine, jatrorrhizine, magnoflorine, oxyacanthine, vulvracine
Plant Part Used: stems of the root and bark
Sustainability: wild crafted
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Appearance and Aroma: The root bark is pale yellow in color with no noticeable scent.
Cosmetic Uses: Barberry root infusions are used as topical skin washes. The root bark is also infused in oil to make salves and lotions.
Culinary Uses: Used in Europe as a bitter tonic. Use in tea blends or use to produce tinctures and extracts.
Flavor Profile: The bark is slightly bitter when chewed.
Culinary Companions: Blends well with black, green and white teas.
Wellness: Barberry root bark contains beta-carotene, lutein, zinc, vitamin C and thiamine. May be ground and encapsulated.
Safety: Do not use if Barberry is you are pregnant. Can cause nausea or vomiting, convulsions, or erratic blood pressure. Do not take if suffering from heart conditions or respiratory ailments. Do not take large doses of Barberry and consult a physician before use. Not suitable for children under the age of two. Vitamin B6 supplements inhibit the effects of berberine. May interact with certain medications.
Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Canada Health or the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.