Barberry As Alternative Medicine

Barberry As Alternative Medicine

For over 2500 years barberry has been used as an alternative medicine for many ailments. Ancient Egyptians used it together with fennel seed to treat fevers and to prevent plague. The North American Indians used this herb to treat poor appetite and to strengthen the whole body. In China, Middle East, Europe and India barberry was also used for healing.

1. It is a liver cleanser and a remedy for liver disorders.
2. It is a treatment for gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.
3. It is effective for digestive disorders such as gastrointestinal, diarrhea, constipation, dysentery and cholera.
4. It is a useful remedy for skin infections such as Candida and psoriasis
5. It is used to treat urinary tract infections, sore throat, sinusitis, bronchitis and nasal congestion
6. It is a remedy for menstrual irregularities and period pain.
7. It is a treatment for high blood pressure.

You can get barberry as capsules, tablets, tinctures, dried, teas and ointments. This herb is generally safe when no more than 500 mg a day is taken. Barberry is not recommended for nursing and pregnant women. When barberry is given to children, caution must be exercised. For digestive complaints this herb is often used in combination with licorice root, wild yam and dandelion.

Excessive consumption of barberry can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nosebleeds and kidney discomfort. Barberry can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics, antihistamines, blood thinning and blood pressure drugs. If you are diabetic refrain from taking this herb. Barberry is a favourite alternative medicine used by herbalists to treat hepatitis.