Barberry

Herbal Constituents and Uses | Contraindications

Common Name:	Barberry	Photo Gallery
Genus / Species:	Berberis vulgaris
Part Used:	Root bark.
Energetics:	Cold, bitter
Meridians:	Liver, stomach, colon
Active Constituents	Soquinoline alkaloids including berberine and berbamine Resin Tannins Chelidonic acid
Medicinal Use:	Hepatic Bile stimulant Bitter Chalogogue Antispasmodic Anti-emetic Tonic Mild laxative Astringent Pancreatic/spleen tonic Antiviral Antibacterial Antifungal Specific for urinary tract, respiratory tract and bowel infections.
Dose:	Tincture S.F. Tincture 0.5 teaspoon/2.5mls once or twice daily for up to 4 months and then only under the supervision of an herbalist.

Contraindications

1) Do not use this herb during pregnancy, due to the uterine stimulant action from the alkaloids. The increase in bile flow caused by this herb may drastically effect the foetus.

2) This herb is toxic in overdose. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, lowered blood pressure and renal irritation.

3) This herb may cause nosebleeds or irritation in rare cases.

4) Conflicting trial suggest that there may or may not be an interaction with tetracycline antibacterial drugs reducing their efficiency due to this herb's berberine constituent.

5) Do not use this herb with gallstones, as the increase in bile flow is too powerful.

The information contained in these pages is an indication of possible contraindications, but if you are at all concerned about any herb and its suitability for personal use please contact a herbal practitioner in your area or contact us.