From The Forest

Due to it's high berberine content Oregon Grape is similar in action to both Goldenseal and Goldthread. One of the root’s main uses is in the treatment of chronic and scaly skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Skin problems of this sort are often due to systemic causes within the body, in which case, Tincture of Oregon Grape is recommended. However, to relieve the external symptoms of psoriasis and eczema, the Infused Oregon Grape Oil can bring relief. It is also added to massage oils when working on and around scaly and patchy areas of the skin.

The leaves of this holly-like ground cover usually have seven to nine leaflets in pairs along a thin, tough stem. They are rough textured, wavy-margined with prickly edges, and darker green above than below. Some of the evergreen leaves turn red in the autumn. The blossoms are tight yellow clusters, which bloom in early spring. Both the stems and roots have a bright yellow pith and very bitter taste due to the presence of the alkaloid berberine. The flowers mature into tart bluish berries with a white “bloom.” Fruit matures in early summer. Never take a shovel after Oregon Grape roots, as you can do great harm to the colony from which you harvest the root. Rather, firmly grasp a plant and pull until the root breaks free. Roots are best gathered any time the plant is not in flower or fruiting. The fruits are harvested in late summer. One common name of Oregon Grape is Barberry and includes Mahonia aquilfolium, Mahonia repens, Mahonia nervosa, Mahonia pinnata, Mahonia vulgaris and other Mahonia species, which are used interchangeably.

Constituents: Alkaloids of the isoquinoline type; berberine, berbamine, hydrastine, oxycanthine.