Oregon Grape Root

Oregon Grape Root

Latin Name: Mahonia, Mountain ash/grape, Berberis aquifolium
Family: Berberidaceae.

Part used: Root bark.
Energetics: Bitter, astringent, cold, dry
Iris: All types.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • Avoid in hyperthyroid conditions and pregnancy
  • Avoid during breastfeeding
  • Do not use it when suffering from chronic gastrointestinal inflammation or irritation predominate, such as excessive salivation, red tongue and irritable bowel. It is counterproductive to stimulate metabolic processes that are already in an excited state.

ACTIONS

  • Cholagogue
  • Hepatic
  • Alterative
  • Anti-diarrhoeal
  • Laxative
  • Astringent
  • Mucolytic
  • Digestive
  • Sialagogue.

Main Constituents

  • Isoquinoline alkaloids (berberine, hydrastine)
  • Tannins
  • Resins
  • Berbamine
  • Canadine
  • Columbamine
  • Corydine
  • Polysaccharides.

Main Uses

Digestive System: Dyspepsia, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Infections of the mouth, throat, gums, Infectious hepatitis
Integumentary System: Skin disorders especially eczema/ psoriasis
Circulatory: Blood impurities, Fatigue due to anaemia
Mental/Emotional: Lethargy

Infections:
Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus.
Fungi: Candida, Trichophyton.
Viruses: Herpes.

More About Oregon Grape

This remedy is almost identical to Barberry apart from the following significant differences:
Oregon grape is more strongly restorative on the entire system than Barberry, which is due to its gentle thyroid stimulant effect which will increase the metabolic rate.
It has greater liver restorative effects, which means it should be used in small doses, especially in conditions such as chronic fatigue.
Oregon grape is more liver centred than Barberry. It also excels in dry skin eruptions due to liver congestion. It is said to be specific to chronic Hepatitis B especially when combined with dandelion root or milk thistle.
Oregon grape root is less effective in clearing infectious conditions due to the lesser quantity of the alkaloid Berberine.
Its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and blood decongestive actions are weaker than Barberry, so it is more of a restorative herb.

Recipes:


Oregon Grape Root Cream
Ingredients:
  • Approx. 42g of dried Oregon grape root (cut and sifted)
  • Approx. 118ml of carrier oil (such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil)
  • 2 tablespoons shea butter or cocoa butter (optional for added creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets (to thicken the cream)
  • A few drops of essential oil (such as lavender or tea tree, for added fragrance and antimicrobial properties)
Instructions:
Infusing the Oil:
  • Place the dried Oregon grape root in a clean, dry glass jar.
  • Heat the carrier oil gently until it's warm but not boiling. Pour the warm oil over the Oregon grape root in the jar.
  • Seal the jar tightly and let it sit in a warm, dark place for about 2-4 weeks, shaking the jar gently every day to help with the infusion process. The longer it sits, the more potent the infusion will become.
  • Strain the infused oil through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container, discarding the solid herb material.
  • Creating the Cream:
  • In a double boiler(bain marie) or a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, combine the infused Oregon grape root oil, shea butter or cocoa butter (if using), and beeswax pellets.
  • Heat the mixture gently, stirring until the beeswax and butter are completely melted and well combined with the oil.
  • Cooling and Setting:
  • Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly. It should begin to thicken as it cools.
  • Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil for fragrance and additional antimicrobial properties, if desired. Stir well.
  • Storing:
  • Pour the cream into clean, dry containers (glass jars or tins work well) and allow it to cool and set completely.
  • Once the cream has cooled and solidified, seal the containers tightly.
  • To use, apply a small amount of the Oregon grape root cream topically to the affected skin areas as needed. It can be helpful for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, minor cuts, and skin irritations. If you experience any adverse reactions or if your skin condition worsens, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

References


Cardiometabolic disorders, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, lipid-lowering, insulin-resistance

Berberine and Its Role in Chronic Disease
In vitro it exerts significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In animal models berberine has neuroprotective and cardiovascular protective effects. In humans, its lipid-lowering and insulin-resistance improving actions have clearly been demonstrated in numerous randomized clinical trials. Moreover, preliminary clinical evidence suggest the ability of berberine to reduce endothelial inflammation improving vascular health, even in patients already affected by cardiovascular diseases. Altogether the available evidences suggest a possible application of berberine use in the management of chronic cardiometabolic disorders.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27671811/

Doxorubicin, lung adenocarcinoma cells

Mahonia aquifolium Extracts Promote Doxorubicin Effects against Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells In Vitro.
The obtained results suggest that nontoxic M. aquifolium extracts can enhance the activity of doxorubicin, thus potentially allowing the application of lower doxorubicin doses in vivo, which may decrease its toxic effects in normal tissues.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33182665/

Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis

Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Mahonia aquifolium for the Treatment of Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis.
Several studies have shown that Mahonia aquifolium leads to a statistically significant improvement of symptoms in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis with minimal side effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30666279/

Psoriasis

A report on three recent clinical trials using Mahonia aquifolium 10% topical cream and a review of the worldwide clinical experience with Mahonia aquifolium for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
Taken together, these clinical studies conducted by several investigators in several countries indicate that Mahonia aquifolium is a safe and effective treatment of patients with mild to moderate psoriasis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16148424/

Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial activity of Mahonia aquifolium crude extract and its major isolated alkaloids.
The results indicate a rational basis for the traditional use of Mahonia aquifolium for localized skin and mucosal infection therapy, as well as for the possible development of a preparation for supportive therapy of the diseases mentioned above.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15476315/

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