| Latin Name | Mahonia aquifolium [=Berberis aquifolium]; M. spp. |
| Other Names | Oregon grapeholly |
| Part Used | Root |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, capsule, bulk herb, powder. |
| Affects | Immune system, Integumentary system, Liver |
| Cautions | Contraindicated during pregnancy. Oregon grape contains berberine which is a cold, bitter constituent that can suppress digestive activity when used to excess, especially in people with weak, cold digestion. Otherwise, it is probably well-tolerated when |
| Botanical Info | A perennial native plant of the barberry family with stiff prickly leaves, clusters of yellow flowers, and sour bright blue berries. |
| Description | Oregon grape is used for liver toxicity from drugs or alcohol; low stomach acid (poor protein assimilation); infections; or irritation in the intestines (irritable bowel syndrome). It cools the liver, stimulates bile flow, reduces intestinal inflammation, and benefits symptoms of dermatitis. It is one of the most effective herbs for skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, or cysts, for which it can be used with burdock seed. Oregon grape root has been recommended for heat in the stomach with such symptoms as tooth and gum pain, inflamed gums, a burning and gnawing feeling in the stomach area, styes, and facial acne. It may also be useful for vaginal yeast infections, especially when the discharge is slightly yellow and strongly-smelling.
Oregon Grape has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COLD. |
| McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press. |
| Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications. |
| Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd. |
| Remington, J.P. et al. 1918. The Dispensatory of the U.S. of America. 20th. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott. |
| Ellingwood, F. 1983. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications. |
| Sherman, J. 1979. The Complete Botanical Prescriber. Corvallis: Corvallis Naturopathic Clinic. |