Botanical Name -: Berberis vulgaris
Family -: N.O. Berberidacea
Synonyms -: Berbery, Pipperidge Bush, Berberis Dumetorum, Daruharidra, Daruhaldi, Kingor, Barberry
Description
It is a deciduous shrub. It can grow up to 4 m high . The leaves are small , borne in cluster , broad ,a soft, bristly point with oval shaped. The flowers are yellow and fruits are red . It is a rich source of vitamin C. The bark has bitter taste. The main alkloid is berberine and it is safe .It is bacterial amoebicidal and trypanocidal. It is antidiarrhoeal as it enters into the cytosol or binds to the cill membrane and inhibits the catalytic unit of andeylate cyclas. The alkaloid berbamine helped reverse leukpaenia induced by benzene cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy in medical study. When combine with pyrimethamine was more useful than grouping with other antibiotics in treating chloroquine anti malaria . Many of the alkaloid are antineoplastic .It is found in t Europe and the eastern United States. The root, bark, and berries are used for medicinal purposes. Both its roots and berries can be used in infusions. .It contains chelidonic acid, resin, tannin ,albumin, gum and starch.etc.The very old Egyptians used it to avert plagues. India's Ayurveda healers used it for dysentery. , European herbalists recommended this herb for liver and gallbladder ailments . .This herb ripening in August and September. When dried, the pieces of bark are in small irregular portions, about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide, and of a dark-yellowish grey colour externally, and marked with shallow longitudinal furrows.Its energetic principle is Berberina.Berberine has been exposed to reduce the development of bacteria in test tubes, and also may help the immune system function improved.A few reasercher have recommended this herb is more effective at killing bacteria in the intestines. It is very useful in diarrhoea problems. It has many forms such as capsules, fluid extracts, tinctures,l ointment, decoctions, juice and lotions and tonic . It is an intensely yellow and bitter alkaloid. The root and bark is is the main soruce of the yellow colour of these plants. Varma was the first to use berberine sulphate successfully in the treatment of oriental sore.
Uses
Barberry is excellent medicine for liver problem .The plant is useful for digestive disorders and circulatory system conditions.The bark of the root has a laxative effect. This herb is useful for arthrities ,blood pressrure,tumor problems and it is very inflammations conditions. As a bitter tonic with mild laxative effects, it is used with weak or laid up people to support and purify the system .It acts as diuretic and hence useful for urinary problems and it is also useful in these diseases such as rheumatism, scarlet fever, brain disorders, heat, thirst, nausea, periodic neuralgia, fevers, skin diseases, vomiting in pregnancy; fruit-mild laxative for children, fevers, blood purifier, malaria, gastric and duodenal ulcers, sores, jaundice, enlarged liver and spleen, and regulates liver functioning, diabetes, destroys toxins, reduces body fat , renal calculi, abdominal and pelvic condition ans gastrointestianl stimulantent.It acts as febrifuge and hence helful in fever, inflammatory fever, typhus,scurvy and sore throat . It has astringent and anti-scorbutic properties.It is to treating sore throat, nasal congestion, sinusitis, bronchitis and yeast infection of the skin or vagina . It is specially valuable in scarlet fever and brain affections. Largely used as diuretic for relief of heat thirst and nausea. It was formerly used in jaundice . The cardio-vascular system is depressed by intravenous administration of berbrine salts. There is sarpfall of blood pressure the degreeof fall and its duration depending upon the dose administrated . This is due to dilatation of the blood vessels of the splanchnic area in particular. The stem is useful for rheumatism.
How to Use in Different Diseases
Barberry capsules are useful for constipation.1 cap is taken twice daily with water. As form of ointment is beneficial for reduce skin eruption. It should be applicable on affected area.A tea is useful for stomach troubles .A infusion is also useful for purge the bowels.An infusion of the root promotes the secretion of bile and is therefore beneficial in liver disorders such as jaundice, appetite , gallbladder stone , infection, inflammation etc. Decoctions of either the root or berries make a good mouthwash or gargle for mouth and throat irritations. The fresh juice of this herb is useful in tooth problems such as gum, pyorrhea , bleeding , aches etc. The tonic is very beneficial for constipation, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, jaundice and weakness. It should be taken one to two teaspoonfuls twice a day at meal time . An ointment is to treat wounds, cuts, bleeding, itching, eczema, swelling etc. As a lotion forms it is beneficial in acne , blemish ,psoriasis, scars other skin eruptions. Berberry is the best remedy for internal injury specially for fractured bones . The decoction of the bark is useful in sore mouth and chronic ophthalmia.Juice of the barbeis was esteemed by parpacelsus as an acid drink. The dried extract of the root known as rasaut ras is used as purgative for children as blood purifies and external application in conjunctivitis in grup with opium. It is also useful in indolent ulcers.
Dose and Preparations
Capsules,ointment ,tea,infusion , Decoctions , tonic,Juice
Infusion- 15ml
Tea- 2 to 4gm
Capsules- One caps
Juice-5to 10ml
Ointment- Twice daily
Decoction- 5 to 10ml