Ø  Oregon Grape Root:

Oregon Grape Root

§      Warning: Don’t use OGR if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding; if you’ve experienced an allergy; avoid getting OGR in your eyes, if you do flush your eyes well with water. Should only be used two to three at a time.

∞      Botanical name: Mahonia aquifolium, Berberis aquifolium  Wikipedia.org

∞      Chinese Botanical name:

---Family--- Barberry close cousin Berberis vulgari; Berberidaceae (barberry-barley)

---Synonyms--- Alegrita;  California Barberry; Holly-Leaved Barberry; Japonica; ; Mahonia; Mahonia aquifolia; Mountain Grape; Mountain Holly; Oregon Barberry;  Oregon Grape; Oregon Grapeholly; Oregon Grape Root; Pepperidge;  Sourberry; Sowberry; Yellow Root.

 ---Description--- Acne; Arthritis, As an Expectorant; Bloodstream infection; Bronchitis; Diarrhea; Eczema; Fever; Fluid Retention; Gallbladder Disease; Hepatitis; Herpes; Kidney Stones; Painful Urination; Psoriasis; Rheumatism; Stomach Upset; Syphilis; To Stimulate Bile Production; Vaginitis...

---Parts Used--- Root, Leaves

---Constituents--- The principal constituent is a high proportion of berberin, and there is also oxycanthin.

---Medicinal Action and Uses--- Tonic on the liver, stomach and gall bladder especially where there is associated nausea and vomiting and alterative, recommended use in chronic and scaly skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema. In the treatment of syphilis and impure blood-conditions; in constipation it is combined with Cascara Sagrada. It improves digestion and absorption.

It is similar in action to Goldenseal and Barberry (they all contain berberine).  It may be used like colombo, berberis, etc., in dyspepsia and chronic mucous complaints.

---Nutrient Source--- The name Oregon grape comes from its use as a medicine and food along the Oregon Trail. Its popularity as a food and medicine nearly led to its extinction in the late nineteenth century.  Both the Leaves and root bark are used medicinally.  600mg of Oregon Grape Root has 580 Carbohydrate ≥ 1% value.

---Side Effects or Negative Effects--- Seek medical help immediately if you get sick after taking Oregon grape. Excessive doses of berberine, an alkaloid in this herb, have caused poisoning and death.

---Deterrent--- allergic to plant

  ---References---

1.         “Herbal Medicine – The Natural way to Get Well and Stay Well” by – Dian Dincin Buchman, PhD - Copyright 1979, 1996 - ISBN: 0-517-14767-x – Page  ;

2.        “The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines” by – Charles W. Fetrow and Juan R. Avila, Copyright 2000, ISBN: 978-0-7434-0070-1, page 395 and 396

3.        Wikipedia.org

4.        The Modern Herbal

5.         Rocky Mountain Herbal Institutes

6.         “The New Healing Herbs—The Ultimate Guide to Natures’ best Medicines” Revised and updated by—Michael Castleman, Copyrighted 2001, ISBN: 0-553-58514-2, pages 106-110

7.        “The Healing Herbs – The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines” by – Michael Castleman, Copyright 1991, ISBN 0-87857-934-6, Pages 59-61, 407-408

8.       “Prescription for Herbal Healing – An easy-to-Use A-to-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies” by – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Copyright 2002, ISBN: 0-89529-869-4, Pages 104-105.

Ø  Recipe: Fluid extract, 10 to 30 drops.

Ø  Recipe: Tea or Decoction

Ø  Recipe: Take two (2) to three (3) Capsules, one (1) time each day with water at a morning or mid-day mealtime.  Do not exceed recommended dosage.

∞      Definition –