This month’s featured bulk herb of the month is Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium), a deeply traditional herb that’s been used centuries to help the body do what it knows how to do, just a little more smoothly—especially in times when it may feel stuck or when things aren’t moving or clearing well. Oregon grape is most well known for its ability to help the body remove toxins, which serves a multitude of functions, and for its berberine content, a powerfully antimicrobial compound.
Botanical Description
This bushy member of the barberry family is native to western North America and is especially prominent in the Pacific Northwest. It produces nearly evergreen holly-like leaves, clusters of small yellow flowers that develop into tart, purple-blue berries that resemble grapes, and bright yellow roots. The berries are edible, but too intensely tart to be palatable. The roots and root bark are the part of the plant that are used medicinally.
The generic name Berberis (which is sometimes used synonymously with the genus Mahonia) is indicative of Oregon grape’s berberine content, the compound that is thought to give this herb many of its medicinal benefits.
Historical & Traditional Use
Recorded use of Oregon grape in Western herbalism did not occur until the late nineteenth century, when it was listed in pharmacopoeias as a remedy for clearing fevers and supporting digestion. In the early twentieth century it was indicated for psoriasis, syphilis, indigestion, and constipation. It was also traditionally used to cleanse and purify the blood, cleanse the lymphatic system, clear chronic mucus buildup in the airways (aka post-nasal drip), support the liver, and promote strength and vitality.
Indigenous tribes of the Columbia River and coastal/Salish areas of the Pacific Northwest also used Oregon grape and other barberry family plants in traditional preparations and for yellow dye.
Health Benefits of Oregon Grape Root
Oregon grape is considered an “alterative” herb, which assist the body with systemic removal of toxins and metabolic wastes and cleanse the blood. This makes Oregon grape popular among herbalists for internal use to support digestion and detoxification, as well external use for treating a variety of skin conditions and infections.
This herb’s strong flavors stimulate systems in the body, clear heat and stagnation, and help dry up phlegmy conditions. Its bitter action on the liver and gallbladder causes the release of gastric secretions, waking up the digestive and detoxifying processes. As a result, this makes Oregon grape energetically drying, as it initially moistens the gut, but then results in fluid loss. Its stimulating effect can help improve symptoms of a stagnant or congested liver, such as trouble digesting fats, bloating, headaches, constipation, and some chronic skin conditions. The liver also filters hormones, and a stagnant liver can also be an underlying cause of certain hormonal dysfunctions in the female reproductive system.
Since Oregon grape helps the body break down toxins and eliminate waste, it helps prevent the liver from getting “backed up” and thus other eliminatory organs such as the skin from being overwhelmed. Due to this action and its antimicrobial properties, Oregon grape can also be used to treat a variety of acute and chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, ulcerations, dermatitis, and fungal infections.
Many of Oregon grape’s health benefits are attributed to the powerful compound berberine found in the roots of the plant, a strong antibacterial and antifungal alkaloid. Berberine is used to reduce inflammation, treat infections, and reduce bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Notably, it contains a compound called 5’-methoxyhydnocarpin (5’-MHC) that stops the pumping action of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cells that removes antibiotics. When these pumps are inhibited, the antibiotics can have an effect on the MRSA cells.
Oregon grape’s purifying, anti-inflammatory benefits extend to other systems in the body too. Some conditions caused by the buildup of toxins, such as rheumatism, gout, and arthritis can be improved with this herb, as well as intestinal infections and some hormonal dysfunctions in the female reproductive system (since the liver filters hormones, a stagnant liver can sometimes be the underlying cause of menstrual problems, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and fibroids).
How to Use Oregon Grape Root
To make an infusion/decoction of Oregon grape root, add 1 tsp of dried herb to a mug of water, steeping for 15-20 minutes. An infusion/decoction can be applied directly to the skin topically, or it can be made into a cream or balm.
You can find dried Oregon grape root in our bulk herbs department.