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Oregon Grape Mahonia aquifolia syn. Berberis aquifolium
Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium berries on bush

Benefits | Preparation | Medicinal Uses | Side Effects | Plant | Folklore |

Common Names
Oregon Grape , Mountain Grape, holly leaved barberry
Botanical Name
Mahonia aquifolia syn. Berberis aquifolium
Family
BERBERIDACEAE Barberry Family
Oregon Grape Medicinal Properties & Benefits
Common Uses: Bladder Infection (UTI) Cystitis * Conjunctivitis * Diarrhea * Parasites/Worms * Psoriasis * Sinusitis * Sore Throat/Laryngitis *
Properties: Anti-inflammatory* Antiseptic* Laxative* Hepatic*
Parts Used: root
Constituents:Alkaloids (berberine, berbamine, oxyacanthine, and herba-mine)

Oregon grape is not botanically related to the endangered goldenseal, but for many uses Oregon grape serves as an excellent alternative, they both contain the immune-stimulating, infection-fighting antiseptic constituent, berberine. Herbs that contain berberine are scientifically proven to protect against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Herbalists use the immune-stimulating and bacteria fighting properties of Oregon grape root in the treatment of bacterial diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and eye infections. It has a sedative effect on the smooth muscles lining the digestive tract and can relieve stomach cramps and abdominal pain. One of the advantages to using preparations of the whole herb, as opposed to using products that only contain berberine extracts is that Oregon grape root contains tannins that ease inflammation, irritation, and itching of the skin and digestive tract.

Related Species All the Mahonia species, including :M. nervosa, M. repens, M. pinnatoa are used medicinally
Oregon Grape Remedies
remedy Prep Methods :Tincture, tea, decoction, oil infusion, powdered root. Eyewashes can also be made by diluting the tincture with sterile saline solution (4 drops of tincture/1 ounce saline) or 8 drops decoction of the roots/1 ounce saline.
  1. Show All
  2. Antibacterial Face Wash
  3. Herbal compress for eczema
  4. Herbal compress for eyestrain
  5. Herbal Eye Wash
  6. Oregon grape root ointment
  7. Pinkeye compress
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referencesOregon Grape Medicinal Uses & References
Psoriasis
Oregon grape is a muscular antioxidant and contains substances that help deter the formation of certain skin cells, which is why it is useful against psoriasis. 556

(Duke, James A, Ph.D. )

Bladder Infections
Studies show that the berberine in Oregon grape may kill many types of bacteria, including E.coli, and prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder lining. 613

(White,Linda B., M.D. )

Diarrhea
Oregon grape root stops diarrhea by slowing the passage of stool through the small intestine, but it also keeps bacteria from implanting themselves in the lining. 879
Parasites
Oregon graperoot contains berberine, which acts against the parasites Entamoeba bistolytica and Giadia lamblia. 660

(White,Linda B., M.D. )

Sore thoat
Oregon grape root contains tannins that cross link proteins in the linings of the nose and throat, or in the digestive tract, to seal them against infection 1114
Side Effects:
Do not use when chronic gastrointestinal irritation or inflammation is present, such as irritable bowel. The herb is not a problem for nursing mothers unless the baby has jaundice, however it should not be used while pregnant. Limit use to no more than 7 consecutive days for adults, 3 for children, exercise caution when using in children. Taking vitamin B6 supplements can give infectious bacteria resistance to the antibacterial toxins in the herb.
Plant Description

A strange attractive evergreen often cultivated as an ornamental, Oregon grape is a hardy shrub indigenous to the Northwestern United States and Canada. At first glance, it looks similar to American holly, with almost plastic-like leaves. In midsummer the yellow flowers develop into clusters of juicy, purple fruit sometimes used to make a brandy.
Folklore, Myths and Legends
mountain rose herbs

Common Typos: ORAGON , orgeon, GRAPEROOT

Mountain Rose Herbs
Certified Organic Oregon Grape Root
Certified Organic Oregon Grape Root extract

Mountain Rose Herbs. A Herbs, Health & Harmony Com


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