Barberry – The Infection Fighter

Barberry; also known as berberis vulgaris, is a bushy, thorny, shrub with pale-green leaves. It generally grows to around eight to ten feet high and has yellow flowers. The plant originated in Europe, but these days it also grows in the wild in North America. The part of the plant used in herbal medicine is the bark, roots, and berries.

The Health Benefits of Barberry

If you have a bacterial infection of any sort, than this is the herb to take. It is generally regarded as the best herb to use if you are trying to fend off a bacterial infection of some kind. This herb contains a substance called Berberine. Berberine helps to keep bacteria from attaching to human cells. This action helps keep you infection free. This same substance also improves your immune system function. Barberry contains another substance called Berbamine which helps to reduce inflammation. This action makes the herb useful for treating conditions like amebic hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Lets take a look at some of the illnesses and conditions this herb can be useful for.

Burns - The substance Berberine reduces the rate and instance of infection for people suffering first and second degree burns.

Cuts, Scrapes,Abrasions, Fungus Infections, Eye Infections, Sinus Infections, Skin Infections, Throat Infections, and Parasitic Infections.

This herb is known to kill an enormous variety of pathogens and parasites. Including Plasmodium, the organism that's at the root of malaria. It is helpful against some types of bacteria and fungi that are known to be antibiotic resistant.

Diarrhea - One clinical study showed that people suffering with diarrhea called by cholera has their symptoms greatly eases after a twenty-four hour period by taking one hundred milligrams of the herb four times per day.

Kidney Stones, Gall Stones, and Liver Function - Both the stem and bark of this plant are useful medicinally in getting rid of gall stones and for improving liver health and functioning. It is also helpful in preventing kidney stones.

Gastritis and Ulcers - Berberine is helpful in killing bacteria known to be responsible for both recurring gastritis and ulcers. Studies with animals also suggest that the herb can relieve muscle spasms. This is helpful in easing digestive issues.

Yeast Infections - Berberine has multiple effects on yeast infections. It shows antibiotic on candida albicans and it is helpful in preventing candida albicans because it treats bacterial infections that; if treated by other means, can lead to candida overgrowth. In addition, it improves bloodflow to the spleen. This helps the spleen to its job more effectively, which is to stimulate your immune system.

Considerations and Uses

You can buy Barberry in many forms including tablets, ointments, capsules, and tinctures. If you make a tincture you can use it as a compress. If you have acne or a yeast infections and you take Vitamin B6 for it, do not use this herb as it can interfere with the action of the Vitamin B. This herb increases the production of bile and you should avoid it if you are suffering from gall stones. Also, it should also be avoided if you are suffering from food poisoning. Men struggling with fertility should also avoid the herb. It also has other uncommon interactions with antibiotics. It should also be avoided if you are suffering from chronic diarrhea or heartburn. As with any herb, women who are nursing or pregnant should also avoid it.

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