Health Benefits & Uses of Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris)

Berberis Vulgaris commonly known as barberries is a native herb of Europe. It has many medicinal uses in modern medicines and herbal medicines.

There are around 450 species of barberries. In Ayurvedic medicine the barberry species of the Himalayas, Berberis Aristata and Berberis Asiatica are known as Daruharidra, because they have properties similar to turmeric .

Berberine is a very interesting herbal medicine for at least two reasons: it is excellent in controlling respiratory allergies and lose weight.

Other than for allergies and weight loss Berberis vulgaris/ barberries has many health benefits and uses in following health conditions.

• Lack of appetite
• Lack of muscle strength, Asthenia
• Poor Circulation
• Scurvy
• Liver problems
• Drop
• Pregnancy
• Bladder stone
• Menopause
• Menstrual problems
• Kidney problems
• Gastric problems
• Constipation (constipation) – laxative
• Rubella
• Varicose veins
• Water retention (diuretic)
• Diabetes (in China it has been used for this purpose for hundreds of years)

How To Use This Plant

From Berberis vulgaris the fruit, the leaves and the bark of the root are used.

The green fruits are preserved in vinegar and consumed like the capers, the ripe fruits serve to make sweets, jellies and syrups.
You can infuse the fruits or baking soda (1 teaspoon per cup) and consume 2 to 3 times a day or, the dyeing of the peels, to take in drops (from 20 to 40 a day).

Berberine

Well, berberine you can consume in capsules, as directed by your doctor:

• For controlling weight gain by type 2 diabetes patients
• On glycemic control
• Reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides
• Reducing the allergen response

How Berberine Activates Metabolism?

In a study of obese people, where 1500 mg was used in divided doses of 500 mg over a 12-week period, there was a loss of 2.5 kg on average over that time period.”

Berberine activates some important enzymes that help regulate glucose uptake and fat burning, promoting a better response to insulin. It also reduces visceral fat because it inhibits its deposition and increases the activity of so-called brown fat that is metabolically more active, generating energy instead of fat deposits.

Barberries Precaution

It is not recommended for use in pregnancy, lactation and obstruction of the biliary tract conditions.

This plant is potentially cytotoxic due to the alkaloids it contains and should only be used for a short period of time under medical supervision.

Taking berries may result in numbness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.

Berberine For Allergies

Berberine stimulates your immune system and, moreover, it also has a natural antibiotic activity for some microorganisms that hinder our life and our health. as:

• Staphilococcus
• Streptococcus
• Chlamydia,
• Candida (and many others)

In addition, berberine is effective in fevers and malaise of colds and seasonal allergies.

When the rhinitis attacks us at full throttle, think of using the berberine capsules and be protected. But first, talk to your doctor because even though it is made from a plant, the active principles can also have drug interaction with other medicines you maybe using.