Latin name: Mahonia aquifolium
Family: Berberidaceae family (Barberry family)
Folk Names: Mountain Grape, Holly mahonia.
Image Credit: Edible Landscapes 
Image Credit: Weber Seeds, Botany & Ethnobotany 
Image Credit: Monterey Bay Spice Company
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS
Part of the Plant Used
Root and rhizome.
Attractive green ornamental originally planted as a hardy shrub in the western United States. Has a yellowish inner bark, yellowish flowers, and purple, grape-shaped edible fruit. This fruit, which is well protected by sharp toothed leaves that look like Holly, is sometimes used to make wine and brandy. Oregon grape shares many phytochemicals with Goldenseal, Goldenthread, Barberry, Yellowroot, even though not all are botanically related.
CONSTITUENTS
- Berberine
- Isoquinoline alkaloids
- Berberamine
- Hydrastine
- oxycanthine
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
- Astringent
- Antimicrobial
- Alternative
- Vulnerary
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cholagogue
- Choleretic
- Stomachic
- Mild laxative
- Antidiabetic
- Anti-parasitic
- Immunomodulator
- Promotes elimination of catabolic residues
- Bitter tonic
Clinical: Oregon grape root should be considered when there is a picture of atonic mucous membranes and lack of strength and fatigue, especially associated with digestion. Individuals may have both nausea and hunger after eating with constipation. Low-grade internalized heat or infectious conditions, headache spreading over the right side of the head to the eyes, bulging blood vessels from the temples and coated tongue of yellow or brown also indicates general energetic congestion and imbalances. Oregon grape stimulates digestion and may have laxative effects. Also acts as an antimicrobial/anti-parasitic agent in the digestive tract, respiratory tract and urinary system. Supports relief of liver and cholecystitis inflammation. Also indicated for the treatment of chronic and scaly skin conditions.
- Stimulates glands of the body
- Withering, wasting, dry skin & mucosa
- Psoriasis
- Acne
- Eczema
- Pruritus
- Anorexia or malnutrition, loss of appetite, wasting
- Atrophic liver conditions
- Lymphatic congestion
- Thick, gummy upper respiratory conditions
- Ulcerations of the intestines, Crohn’s
- Vaginitis
Folk: Dandruff, dermatitis, bruises, constipation, coughing, kidney disease, stones, urinary tract infections, wounds.
Energetics: Bitter, drying, cooling.
Meridians/Organ Affinity: GI Mucosa, Liver, Skin
HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS
Contraindicated in pregnancy due to uterine stimulant effects. Also contraindicated in jaundiced infants and the prenatal period in general. Some questions of berberine compound causing bradycardia and possible neurotoxicity. Use caution in cardiovascular patients. Not for long term use.
Dosage
1-2 grams dried herb or 1-2 to ml liquid extract 3 times a day.
DECOCTION: Put 1 to 2 teaspoons of root in one cup of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
TINCTURE: 1:4 ml, three times a day
Oregon Grape cream for topical applications.
Combinations:
- Burdock root – both suited to dry, thin, atrophic patients.
