
BARBERRY
Berberis vulgaris
Parts used: bark.
Authorized health claims:
- Digestive function.
- Liver function.
- Regularity of bowel transit.
- Function of the digestive system.
PROPERTIES:
- Liver tonic (one of the best known);
- Activates liver functions in a light but very effective way;
- Hepatoprotective;
- Aperitive;
- Digestive;
- Stomachic;
- Antiemetic;
- Cholagogue: promotes biliary secretion;
- Choleretic: facilitates bile production;
- Venous tonifying (like hydrastine);
- Vasoconstrictor;
- Diuretic (medium);
- Laxative (slightly);
- Antimicrobial;
- Antibacterial;
- Antifungal (Candida albicans);
- Urinary antiseptic;
- Hypotensive;
- Antihemorrhagic;
- Febrifuge (antipyretic);
- Alterative;
- Depurative (blood);
- Purifying (blood);
- Spleen tonic;
- Antidiarrhoeal (inhibits enterotoxins and cholera toxin);
- Antiarrhythmic (positive inotropic);
- Prevents cancer;
- Anticancer (amplifies the action of antitumorals and inhibits the effect of carcinogens);
- Mydriatic;
- Stimulates tear secretion;
- Anticariogenic;
- Inhibits acetylcholinesterase;
- Glucose lowering;
- Immunostimulant;
- Antiperiodic (effective against seasonal illnesses).
INDICATIONS:
- Dyspepsia with loss of appetite;
- Digestive difficulties;
- Nausea;
- Indigestion;
- Menstrual disorders;
- Vein dilatation (hemorrhoids, varicose veins);
- Gout;
- Rheumatism;
- Liver disease (hepatitis, liver problems);
- Jaundice;
- Biliary lithiasis;
- Nephrolithiasis;
- Hepatic colic;
- Nephritic colic (prior and during the crisis);
- Cholecystitis;
- Oliguria;
- Diseases of the urinary tract (kidney problems);
- Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen);
- Diabetes;
- Fever statuses;
- Malaria;
- Leishmaniasis;
- High blood pressure;
- Bleeding;
- Gastrointestinal infections (salmonellosis, amebiasis, cholera, etc. ..);
- Chronic dermatoses;
- Candida albicans (fungus);
- Giardia intestinalis (parasite);
- Diarrhea;
- Tuberculosis;
- Arthritis;
- Lumbago.
- PDR (Physicians’ Desk Reference) for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition, Ed. Thomson 2007.
- Perugini Billi F., Manuale di Fitoterapia, Edizioni Junior, Azzano San Paolo (BG) 2004.
- Pizzorno J. E. Jr., Murray M. T., Trattato di Medicina Naturale, Red Edizioni, Novara 2001.
- Pomini L., Erboristeria Italiana, Edizioni VitalitĂ , Torino, 1990.
- Tierra M., Grande manuale di Erboristeria, Vol. I e II, Mediterranee, 1995.
- Valnet J., Fitoterapia. Cura delle malattie con le piante, Aldo Martello - Giunti Editore, 1976.